Giving Kids a Smile
The Middlesex College Dental Hygiene Program held its annual event, Give Kids a Smile, which provides free dental services including restorative procedures, extractions, and preventive care, to children aged 2 1/2 to 14.
Nearly 30 second-year dental hygiene students, along with 6 volunteer dentists, 28 volunteer dental hygienists, 2 volunteer dental assistants, and 3 volunteer staff, participated in the Give Kids a Smile event at the College’s new Dental Hygiene Clinic on February 28, 2024.
Providing essential dental care for children who lack dental insurance or financial resources, this annual event successfully treated 30 children, providing approximately $15,000 worth of dental care. Children, ranging in ages 2 1/2 to 14, received a wide array of dental treatments, including restorative procedures, extractions, and preventive care.
The dedicated volunteers who gave their time and service include New Brunswick High School students who assisted second-year dental hygiene students in escorting children throughout their appointments, as well as graduates of the College’s Dental Hygiene Program, including Class of 2006 valedictorian Priya Kannusamy.
Giovanna Onofrietti, a senior dental hygiene student, volunteered to be the tooth fairy, spreading smiles and capturing photo opportunities with all the attending children.
The program received generous donations of dental supplies from companies such as Henry Schein and Patterson. Dr. Charles Montgomery also contributed supplies from his own office to provide care to the children.
Additionally, Momentum generously donated coffee and tea for all the volunteers, contributing to the success of the event.
Learn more about the Middlesex College Dental Hygiene Clinic.
