The Lake Superior College Dental Hygiene Clinic provided dental care to fifty-one children on Friday, Feb. 5 during “Give Kids a Smile” Day. Eight dentists and 31 other volunteers conducted 51 exams, 48 restorative procedures such as fillings and crowns, and extracted four teeth, among other care.
“We see a lot of people from the community every day at the clinic,” said Shelby Dechaine, who volunteered for the event and is studying at LSC to become a dental hygienist. “But this event is special because it’s a rare chance to work with a lot of kids.”
The event, which is in its 14th year, also affords students the opportunity to work with dental professionals in the community.
“A number of local dental offices volunteer with us so our students get to work with the dentists, and also with the dental hygienists and dental assistants,” said Cindy Upton, the LSC Dental Hygiene Clinic Coordinator. “It’s a terrific opportunity for our students to get to know and work with the dental community.”
The total value of the services provided was $14,230. The clinic provides dental care for local children from low-income families free of charge once a year as a participant in the statewide “Give Kids a Smile” Day program.
