OU College of Dentistry to Offer Free Dental Care at 2023 Annual Kids’ Day Event - OU College of Dentistry
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OU College of Dentistry to Offer Free Dental Care at 2023 Annual Kids’ Day Event

OU College of Dentistry to Offer Free Dental Care at 2023 Annual Kids’ Day Event


Published: Thursday, February 16, 2023

NEWS RELEASE

 

February 6, 2023

 

OU College of Dentistry to Offer Free Dental Care at Annual Kids’ Day Event

     OKLAHOMA CITY – The University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry in partnership with Delta Dental of Oklahoma Foundation, will hold its annual Kids’ Day event on Saturday, Feb. 25, at the college at 1201 N. Stonewall Avenue, Oklahoma City. Children ages 4 to 12, who have been pre-registered, will receive a variety of dental services that may include cleanings, fillings and crowns, at no cost.

      Kids’ Day, a College of Dentistry tradition that began 24 years ago, is an effort to serve the community by reaching children who are unlikely to have access to dental services. Initially targeting the Oklahoma City metro area, the event now has a statewide reach and will serve over 100 children. 

     Under the supervision of trained dentists and faculty members, students pursuing degrees in dental professions provide a wide range of dental treatments and services. The value of services is expected to exceed $25,000. 

     First proposed in 1997 by dental student Darrel Daugherty, D.D.S., M.S., Kids’ Day is a much-anticipated annual event, planned and executed by students, with necessary logistical support from the department. Historically, more than 200 students, staff and faculty members volunteer to make the one-day event a success.

     “Oral health is an essential component of one’s overall systemic health, and healthy habits begin early in one’s life,” said Paul M. Mullasseril, D.D.S., M.S., dean of the college. “The OU College of Dentistry is proud to offer this free clinic. Not only does this event address the immediate dental needs for children in our community, it also provides our dental and dental hygiene students with a sense of community service and the hands-on clinical experience they need to become well-rounded dental professionals.” 

     “Fostering good oral hygiene habits, including visits to the dentist, is key to helping kids in our state prioritize oral health throughout their lives,” said Delta Dental of Oklahoma president and CEO John Gladden. “We are proud to partner with the OU College of Dentistry on Kids’ Day and many other endeavors aimed at advancing our parallel missions: to improve the oral health of all Oklahomans.”   

     Pre-registration is required. Call 405-607-4755 or click, here. Times will be assigned during the required pre-registration process. When available times are filled, pre-registration will be closed. Children must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Proof of guardianship is necessary if the patient’s biological parent is not present to consent to treatment.   

     Participants must arrive at their assigned times, but should be prepared for lengthy wait times and bring any necessary items such as medications, diapers, snacks or beverages. Free parking is available in the Stonewall Garage, northeast of the college. 

 

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OU College of Dentistry at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center

OU College of Dentistry at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, in partnership with OU Health, is home to the state’s only doctor of dental surgery program and baccalaureate degree program in dental hygiene. More than 70 percent of the state of Oklahoma’s dentists are graduates of the OU College of Dentistry. The college provides general dental care and specialty care to Oklahomans through student, resident and faculty practice clinics. The OU College of Dentistry has established a reputation of training its students to provide the highest quality of clinical care available. For more information about the OU College of Dentistry, visit dentistry.ouhsc.edu.

 

OU HEALTH

OU Health is the state’s only comprehensive academic health system of hospitals, clinics and centers of excellence. The flagship academic healthcare system is the clinical partner of the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, one of the most comprehensive academic and research campuses in the country. With 10,000 employees and more than 1,300 physicians and advanced practice providers, OU Health is home to Oklahoma’s largest doctor network with a complete range of specialty care. OU Health serves Oklahoma and the region with the state’s only dedicated children’s hospital, the only National Cancer Institute-Designated OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center and Oklahoma’s flagship hospital, which serves as the state’s only Level 1 trauma center. Oklahoma Children’s Hospital OU Health was named one of the Top 50 Children’s Hospital for Pediatric Cardiology & Heart Surgery and Pediatric Gastroenterology & GI Surgery by U.S. News & World Report in its most recent rankings. OU Health’s mission is to lead healthcare in patient care, education and research. To learn more, visit ouhealth.com.