Over 200 kids were treated to free dental care at the Stony Brook School of Dental Medicine’s 11th annual “Give Kids a Smile” event on August 28.

During the four-hour event, pediatric residents worked with third-year dental students to treat the patients.

Stony Brook School of Dental Medicine students Aaron and Mackenzie Schleicher pose with Erika Larsen.

Underserved children ages 1 to 17 were given free dental screenings, cleanings, fluoride treatment, oral health education and an Island Federal Credit Union backpack filled with crayons and pencils just in time for back to school.

“There’s so many disadvantaged populations right here on Long Island, which is surprising to a lot of people. The event is really about giving back to the children,”  said Dental student Parandis Nejati.

At the end of the exam, each child was given the option to become a patient at the school where they can receive care from a dental student as well as a full-time dentist. The School of Dental Medicine has been hosting “Give Kids a Smile” events since 2002.

Read more: https://news.stonybrook.edu/alumni/school-of-dental-medicine-helps-to-give-kids-a-smile/