January 2008
KinderSmile sponsors “Give Kids a Smile Day” in Montclair
It’s the first: Dr. Nicole McGrath (center) poses with volunteers and children during a break at KinderSmile Foundation’s first Give Kids A Smile Day. Dr. McGrath created the Montclair, N.J. foundation in January 2007 and serves as its executive director. She and Dr. Chris Karydes examined and applied fluoride to more than 150 children. They were assisted by high school student volunteers who conducted toothbrushing workshops, read dental stories and presented dental arts and crafts to the children.
On February 1, 2008, more than 150 children enjoyed oral healthcare screenings and fluoride applications at Central Presbyterian Church, Montclair. ‘Give Kids a Smile Day’ was sponsored by KinderSmile Foundation (KSF), a local nonprofit dedicated to bringing dental care to all children. The church gym was graciously ‘loaned’ to us by Pastor Laurie Ann McNeill.
From 9 am to 5 pm, KinderSmile offered dental exams and fluoride treatments to preschool children; this was enhanced by storytelling and artwork that focused on oral care, as well as a dental education table for parents and teachers. KinderSmile hosted low-income children from the Montclair Child Development Center (Head Start), the Neighborhood Daycare Center, Montclair, and Building Blocks University, Montclair.
The American Dental Association (ADA) has proclaimed February to be ‘National Children’s Dental Health Month’. For the past six years, the first Friday in February has been celebrated as ‘Give Kids a Smile Day’. This day has been created to bring education, preventive care, and restorative care to low-income children. These youngsters, in many cases, have never seen a dentist. They have no dental insurance and no access to dental care.
Dr. Nicole McGrath, KinderSmile founder and executive director, was joined by Dr. Chris Karydes, owner of North Mountain Dental Practice. They conducted exams and applied fluoride treatments to the preschoolers’ teeth. Support and staffing were provided by Montclair High School Pre-Dentistry students, Montclair Kimberley Academy students, the Junior League of Montclair-Newark, and
members of Girl Scout Troop 31.
All volunteers wore T-shirts provided by KinderSmile. KSF offered lunch to its many volunteers, thanks to food donated by Enzo’s Pizzeria, Cuban Pete’s Restaurant, and Alan’s Deli. KSF presented each visiting teacher with KSF tote bags, pencils, pens, T-shirts, and oral health educational material.
Before their exams, the children were delighted to meet our own ‘Tooth Fairy’, as well as ‘The Big Red Dog’. After their exams, they were given gift bags containing toothbrushes, toothpaste, dental floss, coupons and stickers.
KinderSmile Foundation anticipates an even larger event for 2009.