North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS) Allied Dental Education students participated in the American Dental Association’s annual Give Kids A Smile® Day on Friday, February 7th, at the Mayme Green Allied Health Center on the NDSCS Wahpeton campus. 

During the half-day event, NDSCS Dental students provided free dental services, including cleanings, radiographs, sealants, fluoride applications, and oral health education to underserved children in the community. Some patients also received basic restorative procedures, simple extractions, and comprehensive exams as needed. Patients were assessed by Dr. Orvin Lies, DDS, a retired dentist from Elbow Lake Dental, who works alongside the students in the dental clinic at NDSCS. 

Dental students treated 20 patients between the ages of 3 and 18 during the event, with services valuing over $7920 in free dental care. 

"This is a wonderful event that provides access to dental care for children who may not otherwise have the opportunity to have their dental needs met,” said Chanel Malone, Associate Professor and Dental Assisting Program Coordinator. 

“Give Kids A Smile Day was very rewarding for us students,” shared Alexa Sundley, NDSCS Dental Student. “We enjoyed helping kids get the smiles they deserve.” 

The American Dental Association launched Give Kids A Smile® in 2003 to provide dental care to children who may otherwise struggle to access services due to financial limitations. Dentists, students, and other dental professionals volunteer their time to provide screenings, treatments, and education to children nationwide. 

“I enjoy working with the students at NDSCS. They do a very nice job, and working with them at this event is a lot of fun,” said Dr. Orvin Lies, DDS. 

For more information about the highly-rated Dental programs at NDSCS, visit NDSCS.edu/Dental.