OU COLLEGE OF DENTISTRY STUDENTS PROVIDE FREE DENTAL CARE

The University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry held its annual Kids’ Day event in February, attended by 100 children between the ages of 4 to 12 from across the state. Dentistry and dental hygiene students, supervised by trained dentists and members of dental faculty, provided a range of dental treatments and services, from cleanings and fillings to crowns and caps. Listed below, these services, provided at no cost during Kids’ Day, are valued at nearly $44,000:                  

100 exams

69 radiographs

56 cleanings

54 fluoride varnish applications

81 sealants

4 silver diamine fluoride applications

5 anterior composites

26 posterior composites

18 stainless steel crowns

5 indirect pulpcaps

12 pulpotomies

38 extractions

10 patients received nitrous oxide

“Kids’ Day is a wonderful opportunity for our students to give back to the community and make a difference in the lives of others who may not normally have the opportunity to receive dental care,” said Tim Fagan, D.D.S., M.S., head of the Division of Pediatric Dentistry and faculty sponsor of the Kids’ Day program student group.

The annual event is an opportunity to provide high-quality dental care to children who may not see a dentistry provider on a regular or recurring basis. Dental student Meridith Tinnin, said, “It allows us to experience fast-paced pediatric dentistry and introduce many children to dentistry for the first time. We also teach these children about keeping their mouths and bodies healthy, as well as giving parents resources and education to support their kids and the rest of their families in pursuing oral health.”

The OU College of Dentistry is home to the state’s only doctor of dental surgery program and baccalaureate degree program in dental hygiene. The college provides general dental care and specialty care to Oklahomans through student, resident and faculty practice clinics.