Bringing Smiles to Sleepy Hollow Children
Touro College of Dental Medicine Students and Faculty Teach Over 300 Local Children Oral Health Habits at Annual Give Kids A Smile Event
On March 18, Touro College of Dental Medicine (TCDM) hosted its annual Give Kids A Smile event at the Winfield L. Morse School in Sleepy Hollow, NY, reaching over 300 schoolchildren with an exciting, hands-on approach to learning about oral health.
The school’s gymnasium was transformed into a lively, dental-themed learning hub, where children from the community participated in engaging activities designed to make oral hygiene fun, educational, and less intimidating. The event’s activities included interactive games, flossing demonstrations, and lively presentations aimed at promoting healthy habits from a young age.
A Day of Fun, Learning, and Connection
TCDM’s students and faculty led the event, with participants of all ages coming together to provide a comprehensive educational experience. The initiative was especially valuable for local children who often face barriers to regular dental care, ensuring they received both knowledge and tools to establish lifelong healthy oral habits.
Dr. Ronnie Myers, Dean of TCDM, emphasized the significance of these outreach programs, saying, “Events like this allow our students to connect with children in a setting that’s both familiar and welcoming. It’s more than just a day of service—it’s an opportunity to make a real, lasting difference in their health while helping to break down barriers that often exist around dental care.”
Hands-On Learning to Overcome Dental Fears
The day was full of hands-on, interactive experiences designed to create positive associations with dental care. TCDM dental students led flossing demonstrations, guided children through educational games, and answered questions about dental health. This helped children feel comfortable with dental professionals and broke down any fears they might have about dental visits.
A Part of a National Initiative: Give Kids A Smile
The event was also part of TCDM’s contribution to the American Dental Association’s Give Kids A Smile initiative, a national program that focuses on providing underserved communities with free dental education and services. This partnership allows TCDM to use its resources to ensure that children, especially those with limited access to dental care, can grow up with the knowledge they need to maintain healthy teeth.
Since its inception in 2018, TCDM has made this initiative a central part of its mission to serve the community and break down barriers to healthcare access.
