For the first time ever, children with disabilities were invited to participate at the “Give Kids a Smile” event, on March 9, 2018, hosted by Project Accessible Oral Health partners
Dr. David Miller of the Nassau County Dental Society and Special Care Dentistry Association, Northwell Health, and the Henry Schein Cares Foundation, amongst many others.
First graders from Henry Viscardi School at The Viscardi Center joined more than 1,200 children, ages four to seven, from 16 schools at the Cradle of Aviation Museum in Long Island. More than 100 dentists, hygienists and dental school students gave the students complimentary dental screenings, fluoride varnish, lessons on oral hygiene and nutrition and educational goodie bags to take home. Notes were also sent home with the children if the dentists identified tooth decay or dental concerns during the screenings, so the findings could be addressed and they could connect with a local practitioner.
“It was the best trip ever,” said Ryan, a student at Henry Viscardi School, who happily opened wide for Dr. Miller and a dental resident to check his teeth. He and all of the attendees were also given time to view a film and puppet show, as well as the museum exhibits.
Project Accessible Oral Health Chairman, and President & CEO of The Viscardi Center, John D. Kemp attended and said, “The disability community being included in this event is an example of a vision where today’s six-year old will not have the tooth decay of today’s 30-year old, because he or she has the same access to oral healthcare providers, facilities and payment coverage as any other non-disabled person. We look forward to more wonderful events and partnerships like this in the future.”
