Blinn Dental Hygiene Program offering free children’s dental services at annual Give Kids a Smile event

Parents must call to schedule appointments for the April 11 clinic

April 5, 2024

On Thursday, April 11, the Blinn College Dental Hygiene Program will open its doors to preschool and elementary-aged Brazos Valley children for free dental services, including exams, x-rays, cleanings, sealants, fluoride, and oral health education.

The annual Give Kids a Smile (GKAS) clinic will take place from 4-8 p.m. at Blinn’s Post Office Center located at 301 Post Office Street in Bryan. Parents can call 979-209-8152 in advance to make an appointment for their children to participate. If appointments fill up for the April 11 event, children will be placed on a waitlist to receive free oral health care on another date.

“Our students and staff are passionate about serving the community and Give Kids a Smile is an annual event that allows us to fulfill that mission,” said Dana Wood, Dental Hygiene Instructor. “Oral health care and treatments are so important to the overall health of children, and we want to encourage parents to take advantage of this opportunity.”

The Blinn Dental Hygiene Program has hosted the annual event since 2008, providing more than $260,000 in free dental services. A national initiative of the American Dental Association, GKAS supplies oral health care to local children who lack access to regular dental care. The event is coordinated, planned, and executed by Blinn dental hygiene students as a component of their community dentistry course.

“This event teaches our students how their work can make an impact on the health of a community as a whole,” Wood said. “Students are so dedicated to the effort that many of our graduates return year after year to help make the event a success. Several students have even gone on to set up free clinic days in their own communities.”

Dental care will be provided by Blinn dental hygiene students, volunteers from the Brazos Valley Dental Hygiene Society, area dentists, and other local volunteer dental professionals.

In addition to GKAS, the Blinn Dental Hygiene Program offers discounted cleanings and screenings for the general public. These sessions are $20 per person and include dental cleanings, x-rays, examinations, fluoride, oral cancer inspections, and sealants.

For more information about a clinic visit, call 979-209-7283 or visit www.blinn.edu/dental-hygiene/dental-clinic.html.