Dentistry Marks Another Year of Smiles and Service Through Give Kids a Smile

Celebrating a decade of helping kids receive necessary dental care, UT Health Sciences' Give Kids a Smile day also helps young visitors gain exposure to the university's dental care professions.

The University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Dentistry provided free dental care to 73 children during its 10th annual Give Kids A Smile event on Feb. 11. The event delivered more than 600 procedures, valued at $18,148.

Faculty and student volunteers provided comprehensive oral examinations, cleanings, fluoride treatments, sealants, and restorative procedures to students from Freedom Preparatory Academy and Bellevue Middle School. For the first time, a limited number of appointment-based openings were available to families with children from the Memphis community who may not attend participating schools but have significant dental needs.

Among those served were children and families facing language and financial barriers to accessing routine dental care. While expanding access and maintaining its long-standing school partnerships, the college continued its efforts to reduce gaps in oral health services across the community.

"We are grateful for our longstanding partnership with the University of Tennessee Health Science Center's College of Dentistry and their continued commitment to serving our students," said the leadership team at Freedom Preparatory Academy. "Give Kids A Smile is more than an annual event. It removes barriers to care and helps our students stay healthy, confident, and ready to learn. When trusted community partners step in with compassion and expertise, it makes a real difference for our families. We value opportunities like this that support the whole child and strengthen the care our students deserve."

Providing Care and Inspiration

For students, the experience extends beyond treatment. Joscelyn Chavez, a 10th grader at Freedom Preparatory Academy who has participated in the event once before, described her visit as positive and inspiring.

"My doctor was very patient and kind and kept me informed through the whole process," Chavez said. "Getting to do this every year also gives you the chance to learn from them in case you're interested in becoming a dentist."

Give Kids A Smile is part of the American Dental Association's national initiative to provide free oral health services to children who need them. Through programs like Give Kids A Smile, UT Health Sciences' College of Dentistry continues to advance its mission of improving oral health and expanding access to care throughout the Mid-South.

"This year's Give Kids A Smile was a tremendous success," said Ken Tilashalski, DMD, dean of the College of Dentistry. "Guided by our vision to take care of people and the university's commitment to Healthy Tennesseans, Thriving Communities, we are proud to have made a meaningful impact on so many young patients."

Associate Professor Orpheus Triplett, DDS, associate dean of Extramural Clinical Education and Community Service, speaks with a Bellevue Middle School student at Give Kids a Smile in front of the Delta Delta of Tennessee Building on campus at UT Health Sciences.