In the spring of 2025, Midwestern University’s College of Dental Medicine-Illinois (CDMI) organized its first-ever Give Kids a Smile event. This initiative brought together student dentists, faculty members, and interprofessional collaborators to offer free dental care and oral health education to local children over four days. Sponsored by the American Dental Association, the program aimed to enhance access to care for underserved children while providing hands-on experience for aspiring dental professionals. The event welcomed 14 pediatric patients who received comprehensive examinations, cleanings, and guidance on oral hygiene and nutrition. With nearly 70 student volunteers participating under faculty mentorship, the program exemplified community engagement and interdisciplinary collaboration.
A Celebration of Compassionate Care and Education
During the vibrant and meaningful spring season of 2025, Midwestern University's College of Dental Medicine-Illinois held its inaugural Give Kids a Smile event from April 1 to April 4. This remarkable initiative united third-year dental students, faculty mentors, and other healthcare professionals in delivering essential services to young patients within the community. The Pediatric Dental Clinic was transformed into a cheerful haven adorned with playful themes designed to make visits enjoyable and less intimidating for children. Each child enjoyed personalized attention during their appointments, which included thorough exams, cleanings, and educational sessions about maintaining good oral health habits. One standout case involved a young girl whose confidence blossomed after receiving treatment, illustrating the profound impact such events can have on both patients and volunteers alike.
The event featured an innovative partnership between CDMI and the Midwestern University Speech-Language Institute, allowing speech-language pathology students to collaborate closely with dental peers. This collaboration enriched patient experiences by addressing multiple aspects of health simultaneously—oral care, communication skills, and overall well-being. Third-year dental student Sarah Middleton played a pivotal role in organizing the event alongside her faculty advisor, Dr. Sheila Hall. Their efforts ensured that every detail contributed positively toward creating a supportive environment where children felt valued and empowered.
Special guests attending the celebration included Antegoni Kyros, national manager of the GKAS program, and Cindy Nazzarini from Hope’s Front Door. Guidance throughout planning came from esteemed members of the CDMI faculty advisory board, including Drs. Stephen Palatinus, Ahmed El-Maghraby, Paulina Sawicki, Celia Mimms, Ghassan Souri, as well as Lisa McClanahan and Mehul Patel. Julie Kloppmann coordinated logistics meticulously, ensuring seamless execution across all four days.
From transforming initial apprehension into enthusiastic participation among young visitors to fostering valuable learning opportunities for future healthcare providers, this milestone event underscored the importance of compassionate, inclusive care in shaping healthier communities.
As a journalist covering this inspiring story, it is clear how programs like Give Kids a Smile bridge gaps in healthcare access while nurturing tomorrow's leaders in the field. Such initiatives remind us that small acts of kindness and dedication can create ripples of positive change extending far beyond individual lives touched directly. They highlight the significance of teamwork, creativity, and commitment when striving to improve public health outcomes—one smile at a time.