UB allows carry dental care to underserved kids in Niagara County

By MARCELINE ROBINSON

“UB Dental chose to participate in this occasion no longer simplest to assist families with dental recognition, schooling and get entry to care, however additionally because it’s far a concern of the college to assist and be lively within the community, making a difference one smile at a time.”

Misty Garrett, dental hygienist, and clinical teacher
Department of Periodontics and Endodontics

Hundreds of Western New York schoolchildren received loose dental screenings and education earlier this month through the Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Futures application, which strives to bring dental care to underserved rural and concrete groups. With 9 college students and a group of workers participants from the UB School of Dental Medicine, the program screened extra than 800 fundamental students from six schools in Niagara County.

“UB Dental selected to take part on this event now not most effective to help households with dental consciousness, schooling and access to care, but additionally because it’s far a priority of the school to help and be energetic within the network, making a difference one smile at a time,” said Misty Garrett, a dental hygienist and medical instructor within the Department of Periodontics and Endodontics inside the dental faculty.

Added Stephen Abel, partner dean for pupil, network, and professional initiatives: “We value our courting with Colgate-Palmolive. “Over the past few years, we’ve partnered with Colgate-Palmolive in studies and educational activities. Here, we’re partnering with them all over again to convey vital offerings to the communities we serve.” The screenings, held May 15-17, were finished in Colgate’s cellular dental van, a 32-foot-lengthy health center on wheels that functions two dental chairs and friendly visuals to assist create a laugh and much less intimidating dental enjoy.

The program turned into prepared via a collaboration between Colgate-Palmolive, the UB School of Dental Medicine, and the Niagara Falls chapter of The Links, Incorporated, a global volunteer carrier employer for professional ladies of shade. This is devoted to enriching the way of life and financial survival of African Americans and those of African ancestry.

UB dental college students — individuals of Buffalo Outreach and Community Assistance (BOCA), a pupil-led enterprise dedicated to promoting dental education and offering loose dental care for humans around the arena — additionally assisted with affected person charting and education.

“This became without a doubt one of the most fun outreaches I actually have finished for the faculty, said Victoria Maglaras, a 2nd-12 months dental scholar. “I realize a few youngsters had their first dental appointment. It becomes fine to be a part of the education manner for youngsters so younger and reach so many youngsters. To cause them to be aware of desirable conduct, break things down into simple records they could recognize, and see the light bulb switch of their minds is special.”

After the screenings, mother and father received a “document card” for their baby that graded their oral fitness and encouraged follow-up care, if wished. Families who do not have a everyday dentist are supplied with referrals to a dentist in their region.

“So many youngsters pass over days of school due to toothaches, ache, and being ill,” stated Carla Johnson, New York program coordinator for Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Futures. “It’s critical to capture those troubles and to train them early. These can turn out to be extreme issues if left untreated.”

Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Futures operates 9 latest cellular dental vans that are prepared to screen extra than 10 million children each yr for common oral health conditions. In addition to providing care to underserved children in rural and concrete groups, the program also works to raise recognition about the significance of kids’ dental fitness.