OU College of Dentistry Provides Free Dental Care at Kids’ Day

On Saturday, the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry provided free cleanings, fillings and crowns to 74 children during the college’s annual Kids’ Day. The event was sponsored in part by the Delta Dental of Oklahoma Foundation and was held at the college in Oklahoma City.

The OU College of Dentistry began Kids’ Day 26 years ago to provide dental services to Oklahoma children ages 4 to 12 who otherwise may not have access to care. OU College of Dentistry students performed 472 procedures, under the supervision of faculty members and trained dentists. The services would equate to an estimated $46,013 in treatment costs.

College alumnus Darrel Daugherty, D.D.S., M.S., first proposed the idea of Kids’ Day. It initially targeted the Oklahoma City metro area and now has a statewide reach. Students have planned and executed the event from the beginning. More than 200 students, staff and faculty members volunteer their time and skills to welcome families and provide the care.

“Establishing good oral health habits early in life is critical to maintaining overall health and well-being,” said Dean Paul Mullasseril, D.D.S., M.S. “The OU College of Dentistry is honored to host this free clinic, which not only addresses urgent dental care needs for children in our community, but also allows our dental and dental hygiene students to embrace the importance of giving back. Through this event, they gain invaluable clinical experience while learning the impact they can have on the lives of others as future dental professionals.”

Sophia Parker, a member of the Class of 2025, said Kids’ Day allows students to apply their clinical and didactic learning to real-world practice. It is also meaningful to see youth receive care, often for the first time, she said.

“Our goal each year is to provide kids with a positive experience so they form positive associations with the dentist,” Parker said. “While the scope of treatment is limited due to time constraints, we are still able to relieve pain and give patients a good starting point for finding a dental home after the event. When children develop good oral habits at a young age, it becomes easier for them to maintain these habits into adulthood. Teaching children to care for their ‘baby teeth’ helps them maintain healthy mouths as they grow.”

OU College of Dentistry Kids’ Day is held each February, which is Children’s Oral Health Month.