Concorde Staff
Over 50 kids in need receive free dental cleanings during Concorde’s ‘Making Orlando Smile’
February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, and Concorde–Orlando’s Dental Hygiene program recently teamed up with Smile Generation and the City of Orlando to offer free x-rays and dental cleanings for children ages 4-17.
During the recent ‘Making Orlando Smile’ event, services were provided by Concorde Dental Hygiene students under the direct supervision of faculty and licensed dental professionals. Smile Generation provided dental kits to all children in attendance.
“Starting preventative dental care early helps set children up for a healthier tomorrow, and events like ‘Making Orlando Smile’ help provide much-needed care for families who need it most,” said Eleta Reed-Morgan, dental hygiene program director for Concorde–Orlando. “The event also gave our students the opportunity to complete pediatric and adolescent clinical hours, and learn how to guide patients and their families through healthcare visits.”
According to findings in the American Academy of Pediatric Dentists’ State of Little Teeth report, tooth decay is the most common chronic childhood disease, but is largely preventable. Good oral hygiene, including daily brushing and flossing, a healthy diet low in sugar, and early, regular dental visits, can help prevent and mitigate decay.
Lack of access to dental care impacts children’s oral health. Florida leads the nation in public health demand for dental care. According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, over 7 million Florida residents live in Dental Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs). Less than 1 in 5 Floridians living in HPSAs have their oral care needs met.
Smile Generation-trusted offices are supported by Pacific Dental Services (PDS), a national dental and medical support organization and partner of Concorde. In 2005, PDS became a Concorde extern employer in California, and the partnership has grown deeper in the years since. In addition, Concorde students across the country have received over $786,000 in scholarships from the PDS Foundation.
“We’re proud to partner with Concorde faculty and students, providing free dental services to children in Orlando,” said Rose Olague, director of dental assistant programs and school relations at Pacific Dental Services. “Our collaboration aims to promote good oral health, increase access to care, and nurture the next generation of dental professionals. Together, we share a commitment to integrity, passion, and service, shaping successful outcomes for students and fostering healthier communities across the nation, one smile at a time.”
“We are deeply grateful for our long-standing partnership with Pacific Dental Services. We share the same commitment to supporting student success, and over the years they’ve provided additional resources and training for our students,” said Nancy Jones, vice president of student affairs at Concorde.
“PDS and Concorde also have a shared passion for giving back to the community and increasing access to care. We were honored to participate last fall in the PDS Foundation’s Stroll for Special Needs 5k – a fundraiser that increases awareness and support for their special needs dentistry program,” added Jones.
In addition to the event in Orlando, Smile Generation sponsored pediatric dental events at Concorde’s Aurora, Colorado and Memphis, Tennessee campuses.
Ongoing Community Health Services
Appointments filled quickly for ‘Making Orlando Smile,’ and 44 kids were treated, which included 60 sealants and 35 fluoride treatments. Program leaders worked with families to schedule an additional 12 children throughout February at Concorde’s Orlando Dental Hygiene Clinic.
“Concorde is committed to serving those in need. Our Dental Hygiene Clinic provides community members with access to low or no-cost care, while providing our students valuable patient care experience,” said Reed-Morgan.
Concorde hosts Dental Hygiene Clinics at several campuses nationwide, which offer care to help those who don’t have insurance or have reached their maximum coverage. Under supervision, students at the Orlando clinic provide a variety of services including cleanings, sealants, x-rays, and tooth whitening.
The Orlando clinic, located at 3421 Lawton Road, is open varying days from Monday–Friday. The academic terms and holidays may affect scheduling availability on these days. For more information, or to set up an appointment at the Orlando clinic, call (689) 208-9571.
