Wayne Dental Students Taking Part In 'Give Kids A Smile' Program

WAYNE, NJ – Kids can learn more about the importance of oral health - while having fun - Wednesday in Wayne.

Between 9 and 11:15 a.m., the Fortis Institute, a local trade school located at 201 Willowbrook Boulevard, will take part in the “Give Kids a Smile” initiative, an annual program focused on improving the oral health of children from underserved families.

Dental instructors and students from Fortis Institute will provide oral hygiene instruction to children, as well as play games and hand out giveaways, all in the name of promoting proper dental care, according to Fortis.

“By participating in Give Kids A Smile Day, we are filling a critical need in our communities while giving our students hands-on experience – it’s a win-win,” Wes Leibig, president of Fortis Institute, said.

The program is part of a larger, nationwide program started by the American Dental Association in 2003 as a way for dentists to help underserved families.

Through the "Give Kids a Smile" effort, dentists and other dental professionals volunteer their time and services to provide free oral health education, screenings, preventative care and treatment.

Over the last 17 years, more than 5.5 million children have received free oral health services through the initiative, according to the ADA.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in five children ages five to 11 and one in seven children ages 12 to 19 have at least one untreated decayed tooth. The numbers are twice as high for children in low income families.

On Wednesday, children of all ages and all families are welcome. No care will be administered, according to Fortis.

For more information, contact the school at 973-837-1818.