For more than a decade, Roseman University of Health Sciences College of Dental Medicine in South Jordan, UT (Roseman CODM) has remained focused on its mission to improve oral health and accessibility for underserved families by providing essential dental care to children and teens through community annual events, such as Give
Kids A Smile™ and Back to School Brush Up™.
Give Kids A
Smile™
In February, Roseman CODM’s 12th Annual Give Kids A Smile™ event showcased the power of community and healthcare collaboration. Organized with the support of national sponsors such as Marathon Petroleum Corporation Foundation, the American Dental Association and Henry Schein, the event
provided free dental screenings and cleanings to a record 827 Salt Lake County and Utah County children.
Reinforcing the community demand for the event, Roseman CODM reported that 64% of the patients presented with four or more carious teeth, 49% reported that they had no dental home and 37% said that it had been over one year since their last visit.
Among the Roseman CODM student dentists deeply involved in Give Kids A Smile™ was Juan Arbizu. Mr. Arbizu, inspired by his immigrant experience from El Salvador, underscores the event’s significance for many in the community. Reflecting on his past, he shared, “Growing up in an underserved area of
Salt Lake City, things like dental care were only available to us through special events.”
Mr. Arbizu’s participation in Give Kids A Smile™ is driven by a profound desire to give back and inspire others. “It’s humbling, because I see these kids, I see a lot of what I went through,” he said. The event not only provides dental care but also offers hope and a
sense of possibility for the future.
Back to School Brush Up™
As summer winds down, Roseman University CODM gears up for its ninth annual Back to School Brush Up™ in August at the Roseman Dental Clinic. No appointments are necessary, allowing children and teens entering grades K-12 to receive free dental screenings and cleanings.
Dean Frank W. Licari, D.D.S., M.P.H., M.B.A., emphasized the importance of such initiatives, noting that dental pain is a leading cause of school absences in the United States. “It is estimated that as many as 17 million children suffer from untreated tooth decay, the single most common chronic childhood disease in the
U.S.,” said Dean Licari. “Too many absences related to dental pain can cause children to miss a critical time in their lives.”
Participants of the Back to School Brush Up™ also receive vouchers for a comprehensive exam, radiographs and up to $100 in additional care, ensuring ongoing dental health. The screenings and cleanings are performed by student dentists under the supervision of state licensed Utah dentists, who also provide valuable oral
health care education to patients and their parents.
Established in 2015, Roseman CODM’s Back to School Brush Up™ has served an average of 600 Salt Lake City area children annually.
Community Commitment and Future Impact
Both events exemplify Roseman University CODM’s dedication to community service and accessible health care. For Mr. Arbizu and many others, these programs are more than just volunteer opportunities; they are life-changing experiences that bridge gaps in health care and education.
“These events demonstrate our commitment to serving the community and providing access to quality health care for all,” Mr. Arbizu noted. “It’s a privilege to give back to my community and provide care to those who need it most.”
As Roseman University CODM continues to host these annual events, the impact on the community grows, fostering a healthier, more hopeful future for all involved.
Courtesy of Roseman University of Health
Sciences College of Dental Medicine
Published on August
14, 2024