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BCD's dental health program brings smiles to patients, volunteers
 More than 150 children ages 6 to 18 have something to smile about thanks to the more than 160 Baylor College of
Dentistry faculty, staff and students who volunteered Feb. 22 for the college's Children's Dental Health Day.
Designed to provide oral health care for children whose families cannot afford treatment, the free event addressed the most pressing dental needs of the patients in a prioritized fashion. "We did
as much as was possible for each patient as quickly as possible in the time allotted," said Dr. Daniel Jones (BCD '89), professor and chair of public health sciences. "By devoting
their time and expertise, volunteers made Children's Dental Health Day a success for everyone involved."
 Pediatric dentistry faculty and residents were responsible for diagnosis and treatment
planning. Fourth-year dental and senior dental hygiene students served as primary clinicians in the pediatric dentistry clinic and the third-floor dental auxiliary unit. Third-year dental students,
junior dental hygiene students and staff volunteers served as dental assistants. First- and second-year dental students functioned as assistants
in dispensary and sterilization, provided oral health education, served as patient transporters and attended to other administrative functions.
 The event began at 8 a.m. and concluded at 5 p.m. The children began at the oral
diagnosis station. From there, they were sent to the pediatric clinic for fillings, crowns or removals; the dental hygiene station for teeth cleaning; and the education station for a one-on-one lesson
in oral health and hygiene, which was supported in part by Delta Dental.
"Events such as this are invaluable in terms of providing care to children in need of dental care as well as creating community good will," said Dr. James Cole (BCD '75), BCD dean. "It
is gratifying to observe once again the generous and genuinely caring nature of the people at Baylor College of Dentistry."
Hosted in honor of National Children's Dental Health Month, the BCD event coordinated with the American Dental Association's "Give Kids a Smile" program on Feb. 21. Held locally at the Kiwanis Children's Dental
Clinic in Dallas, that event attracted more than 50 children who were served by Dallas County Dental Society volunteers.
Volunteers for the BCD event are listed below. *
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