On March 18, Touro College of Dental Medicine (TCDM) successfully hosted its annual Give Kids A Smile event at Winfield L. Morse School in Sleepy Hollow, reaching over 300 local schoolchildren with engaging oral health education and interactive activities. The school gymnasium was transformed into a vibrant learning environment featuring fun dental-themed activities designed to make oral health care more accessible and less intimidating for young students.
The comprehensive educational program brought together dental students from all four class years, along with TCDM faculty and staff, to provide children with the knowledge and tools necessary to build lifelong healthy oral hygiene habits. Many of the participating students have limited access to regular dental care, making this community outreach initiative particularly valuable for the local community.
“Events like this allow our students to connect with children in a setting that’s both familiar and welcoming,” said Dr. Ronnie Myers, the Dean of Touro College of Dental Medicine. “It’s more than just a day of service – it’s an opportunity to make a real, lasting difference in their health while helping to break down barriers that often exist around dental care.”
The event featured dental students who led interactive games, hands-on flossing demonstrations, and educational presentations that helped children develop positive associations with dental professionals. By meeting dentists and dental students outside the traditional clinical environment, participants were able to overcome common anxieties associated with dental visits while learning essential oral health practices.
The event is part of TCDM’s participation in the American Dental Association’s Give Kids A Smile initiative, a national program that mobilizes dental professionals across the country to provide education and care to children in underserved communities. Since 2018, TCDM has made this program an integral part of the college’s mission and community engagement efforts.
TCDM will also be partnering with The Ninth District Dental Association for their GKAS event at the Virginia Road Elementary School, 86 Virginia Road, White Plains on Monday, April 13, which will include sharing oral health educational presentations and proper tooth brushing training for over 300 kindergarten, first grade, and second grade students.
