Creating Brighter Futures at Give Kids a Smile

Cura Smiles Dental Clinic was honored to participate in the Give Kids A Smile program this spring! This nationwide event is hosted annually by the American Dental Association. The goal is to provide children with dental screening exams, fluoride varnish treatments, dental sealants, and oral health education at no cost.

To promote the event, the Cura Smiles team prepared and distributed over three hundred goodie bags filled with toothbrushes, toothpaste, and floss to give to children at a nearby elementary school. When the children arrived at the clinic, they were greeted with balloons, music, and our lovely toothpaste mascot, kindly brought to life by one of our volunteers.

Providing a comforting and encouraging atmosphere was our first priority for this event. We know all too well that one bad experience can cause a dental phobia that lasts a lifetime. A “happy visit” can set the stage for a positive attitude about the dentist. Because of this, we had a strict “no tears” policy.

In addition to the preventative procedures, many of the children were also given fillings and extractions at no cost. Following treatment, each child was given one-on-one, personalized instruction from a dental professional on how to take proper care of their teeth. Because most dental decay and periodontal disease are preventable, it was essential that these kids learn how to brush and floss their teeth. Each child was given a new toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss, and stopped by the treasure box full of toys for more loot on their way out.

We are so thankful for all of the hard work and dedication of each volunteer and would like to thank you as well for your continued support of our mission to provide free dental care to those in need. May the love of Christ shine in every room of our clinic and be felt by every person that walks up the stairs and through our doors.