'Give Kids A Smile Day' At Rowan College At Burlington County Set For Feb. 3

Children in need are eligible to receive free dental care through Rowan College at Burlington County’s 13th annual “Give Kids A Smile” day on Friday, Feb. 3, the college announced this week.

The one-day program is part of the American Dental Association’s annual push to bring attention to the number one childhood disease: tooth decay.

“Rowan College at Burlington County is proud of our top-ranking dental hygiene program, but even prouder of the commitment our students and alumni make to provide the best care to the community,” Rowan College at Burlington County President Paul Drayton said. “The Give Kids A Smile program gives the college an opportunity to address a serious health care concern in a welcoming, fun and kid-friendly way.”

Last year, the college treated 80 children and performed 915 procedures, including cleanings, fillings, x-rays, and extractions. To date, Rowan College at Burlington County’s “Give Kids A Smile” program has provided more than $670,000 worth of care to more than 2,100 children.

“RCBC’s Give Kids A Smile program is helping children make positive associations with the dentist office and steering them toward a life of good oral health,” Rowan College at Burlington County Director of Dental Hygiene Linda Hecker said. “Our students, alumni, staff and volunteer health care professionals are dedicated to making healthier communities and Give Kids A Smile allows us to reach children who may not otherwise have access to oral health care.”

Children, ages 12 and younger, will receive free preventive and emergency dental care on “Give Kids A Smile” day. Children who attend the program at Rowan College at Burlington County will also be treated to entertainment. The day includes face-painting, a caricature artist, the chance to meet seeing-eye puppies in training and characters like the tooth fairy.

Those interested in making an appointment for their child are encouraged to call as soon as possible. Appointments are required and can be made by calling 856-291-4215. There are still some appointments available.

The Rowan College at Burlington County Dental Hygiene Center is currently located in the Lewis M. Parker Center, room 318 on the Pemberton campus at 601 Pemberton Browns Mills Road.

The program is scheduled to move, along with the entire Health Sciences Division, to the college’s Briggs Road Health Sciences Center by the fall.

The New Jersey Give Kids A Smile program is managed by the New Jersey Dental Association, the New Jersey Dental Assistants Association, and the New Jersey Dental Hygienists' Association and is supported by Colgate, Henry Schein Dental, Delta Dental of NJ and private donations.

Rowan College at Burlington County’s program is supported in part by Virtua.

Nationally, it is supported by the American Dental Association, Henry Schein, Inc. and Colgate.

More information on the “Give Kids A Smile!” program can be found at njda.org/gkas.