On Saturday, February 3, FSCJ’s dental program hosted Give Kids a Smile Day at North Campus. The event was sponsored by the Jacksonville Dental Society and is part of a larger annual nationwide initiative by the American Dental Association to celebrate National Children’s Dental Health Month. Local dentists, dental hygienists and assistants, as well as program faculty, staff and approximately 50 students joined forces to provide free dental services for children of all ages, many of whom have never had access to dental care.

Volunteers provided dental screenings and X-rays for 121 children, performed 100 dental cleanings, placed 116 fillings and 123 pit and fissure sealants, and extracted 46 teeth, which equates to nearly $93,000 in services. 

“Of course, any event like this has a limited impact on the large underserved populations of Duval and Nassau counties when it pertains to dental health,” said Program Manager Dr. Jeff Smith. "On the other hand, for those who attended and received treatment, some of them in pain, this had a tremendous impact on their lives."

Click here to watch the Innovate to Educate interview with Dr. Jeff Smith to learn how technology is being used by faculty to enhance the student experience.