UIC College of Dentistry hosts annual Give Kids a Smile Day, providing free oral health exams to more than 100 children
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On Feb. 5, the UIC College of Dentistry proudly hosted its annual Give Kids a Smile Day, a national initiative with a mission of ensuring access to quality oral healthcare for all children. This year’s event welcomed more than 100 children from St. Malachy School, Children of Peace School, and Head Start families from El Valor for a day of free oral health screenings, oral healthcare education activities, and face painting.
Give Kids a Smile Day was launched in 2003 by the American Dental Association Foundation to raise national awareness about the importance of oral health to overall health and about the staggering need that exists among millions of children who go without care. The UIC College of Dentistry has been participating from the start.
According to current national statistics, more than half of children aged 6 to 8 have had a cavity in at least one of their baby (primary) teeth. More than half of adolescents aged 12 to 19 have had a cavity in at least one of their permanent teeth. Children aged 5 to 19 years from low-income families are twice as likely (25%) to have cavities compared with children from higher-income households (11%), as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Led by Dr. Sahar Alrayyes, clinical professor, Dr. Majd Alsaleh, clinical assistant professor, and Khatija Noorullah, clinical assistant professor, with the full support of the department head, Dr. David Avenetti, the department of pediatric dentistry is actively addressing these concerns by expanding access to preventive care, providing community outreach programs, and advocating for policies that ensure equitable dental care for all children. Through events like Give Kids a Smile Day, the department reinforces the UIC College of Dentistry’s commitment to advocacy and public health initiatives.
Volunteers for the event included students from the UIC Pre-Dental Club. Children were entertained by “Happy Molar,” a student volunteer dressed up as a tooth, along with the “Tooth Fairy,” who demonstrated good brushing habits. Additionally, each child received an oral hygiene kit to take home, reinforcing the importance of daily care and routine dental visits.
UIC College of Dentistry remains committed to its mission of providing exceptional dental care and education to the Chicago community.
“The children have a wonderful experience which leaves a positive impact year after year,” said Susan Rowan, dean of the college. “Teaching children about their oral health in a fun and interactive way is the greatest act of optimism for the future!”
