College of Dentistry to Host 10th Annual Give Kids A Smile

The University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Dentistry will host its annual Give Kids A Smile event on Wednesday, Feb. 11, from 8 a.m. to noon at the Delta Dental of Tennessee Building, 875 Union Ave., to provide free dental services to more than 100 students from Freedom Preparatory Academy and Bellevue Middle School.

As part of the American Dental Association’s national Give Kids A Smile Initiative, the event supports the efforts to improve access to oral health care. Now marking its 10th year, Give Kids A Smile represents more than a single day of service, it reflects the College of Dentistry’s enduring mission to transform lives and oral health through education, community engagement, and patient-centered care.

Dana McNeal, assistant principal for Bellevue Middle School said, “We are excited to be a part of this event for the first time and provide our students the opportunity for free dental care, especially knowing it’s a need in our community.”

In addition to the participating schools, the event is introducing a limited number of appointments available to families in the community with younger children who need dental treatment. This marks the first year the event has been open to families outside of the partner schools.

“To accommodate a broader range of families and provide dental services to younger children, we needed to expand the event’s reach,” said Cassandra Christiansen, RDH, EdD, director of School-Based Programs and Community Outreach for the College of Dentistry. “The generous support from Delta Dental and the oral hygiene kits from Renaissance Benefits have made the event’s expansion possible. This initiative aims to support families who have been previously encountered at community health fairs. Our objective is to facilitate and establish a dental home and consistent oral care for the children.”

Under the supervision of licensed faculty, dental and dental hygiene students will provide free preventive and restorative dental services, including cleanings, fluoride treatments, basic restorative care, and oral health education.

“The support from our students, staff, and faculty is what really keeps this event as successful as it has been each year,” said Orpheus Triplett, DDS, associate dean for Extramural Clinical Education and Community Service for the college. “We have a great team of passionate individuals.”

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