近250名儿童, military veterans 和 individuals with disabilities recently received the gift of free oral health screenings 和 services during three community health events organized by the 亚瑟一个. 杜戈尼牙科学院 in partnership with several community groups. 牙科学生, 居民, faculty 和 staff teamed up to create welcoming 和 fun events that supported the health of attendees from across the Bay Area.

旧金山外展

2月. 3, the “给 Kids a Smile” dental health fair with a superhero theme was held at the Dugoni School’s Hutto Patterson Pediatric Dentistry Clinic 在旧金山市中心. Kids up to age 17 received free dental check-ups, cleanings 和 fluoride treatment, 享受教育游戏, 照相亭, 在脸上画画, 音乐和更多. Volunteers from the school’s Pediatric Dentistry Study Club 和 Student Community Outreach for Public Education (SCOPE) organization, as well as faculty 和 staff from the Pediatric Dentistry Clinic, brought healthy smiles to the children 和 parents who attended.

Nearly 100 children received donated services 和 care estimated at approximately $26,000 in value.

“It was such an amazing opportunity to help organize the GKAS event,” said student volunteer Sarah Takahashi, 2024级DDS. “Seeing all of my classmates come together for such a great cause was a really heartwarming experience. I wanted to get involved because I love working with children 和 thought it would be a great way to give back to our local community. It was truly rewarding to educate 和 provide dental care to so many kids. A lot of the children wanted to become patients of the school, so it was awesome to see them find a permanent dental home with us!”

"Working alongside Sarah as one of the student leaders for 给 Kids a Smile was one of the most rewarding experiences in my dental career,泰勒·奥莱利补充道, 2024级DDS. “When Fedeliza from the Pediatric Department told us about the event 和 the impact they were hoping to make, Sarah 和 I didn't hesitate in stepping forward to recruit 和 organize the volunteers they needed. It was inspiring seeing over 100 students enthusiastically volunteer for the event 和 contribute not only their time, but also their ideas 和 passion to help others. The clinic was full of smiles, laughter 和 care that day. I look forward to seeing the ongoing success of this annual event for years to come."

The Dugoni School began holding the 给 Kids a Smile events in 2010 as part of the national initiative launched by the American 牙科 Association more than 20 years ago. 

联合城市外展

The Dugoni School’s Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) team partnered with the Southern Alameda County 牙科 Society (SACDS) 和 Eden Area Regional Occupational Program Center to hold “给 Special Kids a Smile” at the 联合市牙科保健中心 2月. 2. Volunteers offered free dental screenings for 70 children 和 adults with physical 和/or mild developmental disabilities. Each patient received a free dental screening 和 a free dental health kit with toothbrush, 粘贴, 牙线和其他好东西. Many also received treatment procedures. Attendees were comforted by therapy dogs provided by the 山谷人道协会 还有治疗小马 Sonrise马术基金会.

2月2日星期六. 3, the 联合市牙科保健中心 also hosted the “给 Veterans a Smile” event in partnership with the Southern Alameda County 牙科 Society, 东湾戒严, 蓝星妈妈 和伊甸园ROP. Volunteers provided free oral oral health kits 和 dental services, 包括牙齿修复, 拔牙, 填充物和义齿修复, 67名退伍军人.

One veteran who served in the Air Force was referred to 给 Veterans a Smile by 从剑到犁在奥克兰. “他们做了补牙...they did all this in two hours,” he said, gesturing towards his mouth. “没有任何疼痛感. 太神奇了. 每个人都很棒.”

Both Union City events were supported by volunteer dentists from the community, dental auxiliary team members 和 other volunteers.

Nearly $61,000 in care was provided across both days, according to the SACDS.

In addition to providing screenings 和 care at outreach events held both on 和 off campus, the Dugoni School offers a wide range of affordable oral health care services for the public on an on-going basis. To learn more about services, visit the school’s 牙科服务网站.