SIU Dental Clinic hosts "Give Adults a Smile" day
July 21, 2017,
CARBONDALE -- A lot more grinning faces today as volunteers gathered at SIU's dental clinic to offer free dental care.
For most, the dentist's chair isn't their favorite place, but Friday, free dental exams, x-rays and cleanings brought a smile to many.
"Give Adults a Smile" day at the Southern Illinois University Dental Clinic offered this service to adults who are uninsured, on a fixed income, or on Medicaid.
"People that come into the program have not had dental care in a number of years," said Jennifer Sherry, who organized the event.
"If we can help in any way, we can help to determine if they have dental needs that they can have addressed as well as give them a better smile for the day."
She said the event helped about 75 adults in Southern Illinois.
"They're like I'm excited to come in," Sherry said. "I can't believe I'm going to get my teeth cleaned, it's just a really nice reaction."
The event also provides opportunities for SIU students, like student hygienist Amber Billings, to get hands-on experience with their future careers.
"The first thing that goes through my head is how can I help them," Billings said. "What's the first step that we can take to get them healthy and get them the services that they need."
She says she takes pride in being able to help those at the event go home comfortable with their smiles.
Source: https://www.wsiltv.com/story/35944084/siu-dental-clinic-hosts-give-adults-a-smile-day