On February 20, 2010, Alliance members of the Salt Lake District joined the Salt Lake District Dental Society, Dentrix Dental Systems, Sullivan-Schein Dental, and the Salt Lake Community College to host “Give Kids a Smile” Day, a nationwide ADA program. Over 80 grade school children in the Salt Lake Valley received dental work donated by volunteer dentists and other oral hygiene caregivers. Alliance members provided dental related educational opportunities for many children as well as caregivers while they waited for dental care.
The Alliance sponsored displays showing children how to take good care of their teeth and brush and floss them properly. Puppets and oversize sets of teeth with large toothbrushes allowed children to learn and practice proper techniques. A test tube display showing the amount of sugar contained in various foods was very popular. Oral hygiene videos were enjoyed by children and their parents along with a variety of coloring pages, word puzzles and other educational materials.
Alliance members had previously assembled oral hygiene kits to pass out to the children when their visit to the dentist was completed. The Alliance of the Utah Dental Association also provided 10 dozen cookies for event volunteers. It was a very successful event and GKAS organizers expressed great appreciation for Alliance efforts and support. We are looking forward to helping again next year!
