Howard University Dentistry School served as the location for eager children awaiting their first dentist appointment at the 7th annual "Give Kids a Smile" day held Friday.
This nationwide program is held to raise awareness of the importance of access to dental care for low-income children.
One hundred and sixty- eight students from Bancroft Elementary School in Mt. Pleasant, a neighborhood in D.C., were chosen in December to participate in this program.
Michael Blicher, president of the D.C. Dental Society, said the day's sole purpose was to help raise awareness for under privileged kids in the D.C. community. "People don't realize that cavity and tooth decay is the No. 1 chronic illness in children, more common than the fever," Blicher said.
In the midst of these little children, there were certified dentists and dental students there to help out for the day.
Anna Tam, a third-year dentistry student, performed prophecies and sealants on the kids.
"The main purpose for me being here is to give back to the community and gain more experience in my field," Tam said. "I want to do things like this in the future, so this is a good opportunity for me."
In addition to the free dental care the children received Friday, they also will get follow-up treatment.
Fourth-year dental student, Mark Kubilium, has helped out every year since he started at Howard.
"We are doing a variety of things from escorting and ushering kids, to cleaning teeth," he said. "This program gives us a chance to give back to the future society of America."
"Give Kids a Smile Day" is the first of many events that kicks off National Dental Health month.
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