Students from the College of Dental Medicine at Georgia Health Sciences University (GHSU) partnered with Georgia Dental Association (GDA) dentists, as well as hygienists and hygiene students from GHSU, Middle Georgia Technical College, and Western Georgia Technical College, to provide dental care during a Special Olympics event in Warner Robins, GA, on August 25.
They provided dental screenings, fluoride varnish applications, and oral hygiene education and distributed toothbrushes, toothpaste, and dental floss. The 800-plus volunteers included 17 GHSU faculty, staff, and students who helped screen 343 athletes.
Athletes requiring additional treatment were referred to GDA dentists who treat special needs patients, as well as the DDD Foundation in Atlanta, which treats patients with developmental disabilities. The athletes received postcards following the event reminding them to address concerns identified at the screening.
The GDA has been organizing the Georgia Special Smiles program since 1997, making Georgia one of the first states to implement the program, according GHSU.
