The Oral Health Is Better Health Fund serves our Community and Preventive Dentistry program at the SIU School of Dental Medicine. The Community & Preventive Dentistry program continues to improve access to quality oral health for over 8,000 men, women, and children annually through educational programs, oral cancer screenings and/or oral health treatments.
The spring semester is always a blur of activity for the Community & Preventive Dentistry program. In February, the School of Dental Medicine actively participates in National Children’s Dental Health Month, a program which brings hundreds of children on campus to receive free dental care and oral health education. As the program proceeds in April, the School of Dental Medicine participates in the March of Dimes Walk America, diligently pursuing volunteers and donations from the campus community. During the month of May, the School of Dental Medicine facilitates Special Olympics Special Smiles, offering oral health screenings for all Special Olympics Illinois athletes participating in the Southwestern/Area 12 Spring Games.
Also during spring semester, the School of Dental Medicine’s Year I students begin their clinical experiences as part of Community Dentistry II, a course in which the students perform preventive procedures on children at the M and M dental clinic in Litchfield and in a school sealant grant program at Prather Elementary School in Granite City.
Further, every year, students and faculty participate in ten or more additional community events, including Illinois State Dental Society sponsored oral cancer screenings at the Illinois State Fair and the Central Illinois Senior Celebration, as well as a number of other health fairs and school presentations.
Perhaps the highlight of the Community Outreach program is the annual “Give Kids A Smile Day” in February. “Give Kids A Smile Day” is a one-day event organized to provide free dental treatment for underserved children. Each year, “Give Kids A Smile Day” treats hundreds of area children, providing thousands of dollars worth of free dental treatment, including examinations, x-rays, cleanings, fluoride treatments, fillings and extractions.
Your gift to the Oral Health Is Better Health Fund will help our dental students learn the importance of giving back to the community. Further, your contribution will directly impact those we serve. We appreciate your thoughtful consideration.
To share your gift online, please click here: Online Giving
For a form to expedite the processing of your gift, please click here: SDM Giving Form
| Dr. Ann Boyle Dean 2800 College Avenue Building 273 Alton, IL 62002 Phone: 618-474-7120 Fax: 618-474-7249 | Stephen Schaus Director of Development 2800 College Avenue Building 273 Alton, IL 62002 Phone: 618-474-7271 Fax: 618-474-7249 Email: sschaus@siue.edu |
