On a wintry Saturday, the University of Minnesota's School of Dentistry was abuzz not just with the cold but with the warmth of goodwill as it marked two decades of giving smiles to those who need them most. Over 200 volunteers, including students and dental professionals, provided free dental care to underserved children in the community, as part of the 20th annual Give Kids a Smile event on Feb. 3, according to the university's announcement.

Co-chairs and third-year DDS students, Miranda Thacker, Alex Oberg, and Emily Padilla stepped up to lead the initiative this year, extending a hand to 64 youngsters requiring dental services. The American Dental Association began Give Kids a Smile back in 2003, with this local school hopping on the bandwagon a year later.

Thacker, with prior experience in a pediatric dental office, emphasized the lasting impact of early dental intervention. “It makes an impact upstream to people’s health, in addition to the more obvious immediate effects,” she told the university. Each child’s visit included comprehensive dental assessments such as examinations, X-rays, cleanings, and fluoride treatments, ensuring proactive care continued beyond just one day.

In a compassionate move, the School of Dentistry isn't just washing its hands clean post-event. As Thacker said, “The work of Give Kids a Smile does not end with the conclusion of the event." She elaborated that follow-up appointments and ongoing treatment plans are part of the package, funded till their kitty runs dry. The children also walked away armed with dental hygiene products to maintain their pearly whites at home.

The event showcased the synergistic power of varied healthcare disciplines, roping in dental hygiene, dental therapy, medical students, and even social workers to offer a holistic approach to these children’s health needs. A MNsure navigator joined the event for the first time this year, assisting families to potentially enroll in health plans they qualify for, thus bridging another critical gap.

The school’s altruistic endeavors paint a broader picture beyond just boasting the state's only dental program. A hefty 72 percent of the state's dentists hail from this institution, and their clinics see over 156,000 patient visits annually. This event, punctuating their 20-year celebration, serves as a testament to the school’s mission: to not just educate, but also serve as a beacon for communal health and wellbeing.