FLORENCE — Dentists from across the Pee Dee partnered with students from Florence-Darlington Technical College on Friday to give some underprivileged children a smile.
Bus loads of children from Florence and Darlington counties arrived at the college’s health facility for free dental care during the annual “Give Kids a Smile” day.
This is the seventh year dentists have partnered with dental students from the college.
Most of the children were identified by school nurses as not necessarily having access to dental care.
“Some of these kids are kids who kind of fall through the cracks,” said Paul Davis, one of the many dentists who volunteered his time during the one-day clinic. “They don’t get a chance to see the dentist, they don’t have Medicaid and they don’t have dental insurance so this is a good way for them to get treatment.”
The children spanned all age groups, from pre-kindergarten to high-school aged children.
Zachary Spann is an eighth-grader at CHOiCES charter school and was one of the children who received free dental care. He said he felt fortunate to be able to see a dentist.
“My mom was trying to do it, but she didn’t. She had to go to school at night, so this is good for both of us,” Zachary said.
The dentists worked with students in the dental program at Florence-Darlington Tech, providing not only cleanings and fillings but even intensive work such as root canals for some children.
Many who volunteered their time and efforts said they believe some of the children might not have had the opportunity to ever have seen a dentist previously.
Because of that, many children had cavities and other problems that could be solved with a simple visit to the dentist.
“I think it’s important for their self esteem. I think some of these kids have never seen a dentist, so it’s good to get them seen early just so they can have a good experience with the dentist and not be afraid of the dentist,” Davis said.
Susan Cochran leads the dental department at Florence-Darlington Tech and said being able to provide the children with the dental care free of charge would make a lasting impact on their lives.
“Everybody knows that a smile goes a long way. It makes you feel good about yourself … if you can’t smile then you don’t feel comfortable talking with people, so this just opens doors for a lot of people in a lot of ways,” she said.
Cochran said she expected a crowd of about 60 children, but had an influx of students seeking care and said the number treated would likely be near 100.
While those involved may have been a bit overwhelmed with the crowd Friday, they said the ability to restore a child’s health and confidence made them smile as well.
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