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The PSC Warrington campus was filled with magic on Saturday, Feb. 8, as tooth fairies roamed the halls and Disney music floated through the air. From 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., the PSC Dental Hygiene Clinic hosted its Give Kids a Smile Day, a heartwarming event dedicated to providing free dental care to children.
Organized by Dental Hygiene Instructor Donna Del Rosario, the event was made possible through the support of the American Dental Association (ADA), which generously supplied all necessary materials – saving the College and students from using their own disposables and lab-paid materials.
One of the event’s biggest highlights, for Del Rosario, was the participation of Dr. Will Rolfe, a local dentist new to the Pensacola area who practices with Coastal Cosmetic and Family Dentistry. After seeing the event flyer on Facebook, Dr. Rolfe reached out to volunteer his services, reading X-rays and consulting with patients’ parents. “It was great to build that network with him, and now he wants to be more involved with the College in supporting our program,” Del Rosario said. “It is so exciting to make that connection with him.”
The event was not only beneficial but fun for everyone involved. Student hygienists and their young patients sang along to Disney tunes, played by clinic receptionist Kimberly Ellis, who volunteered her time to make the day extra special. In a rare feat for a dental clinic, not a single child shed a tear – a sure sign they had a positive experience, especially for those getting their teeth cleaned for the first time.
Del Rosario praised the 34 second-year dental hygiene students, who provided preventive dental hygiene services, all while keeping the children comfortable. Meanwhile, four first-year students dressed up as tooth fairies, adding a touch of magic by visiting young patients in their exam chairs and helping direct families to the clinic.
After their exams, children left with bright smiles, new oral hygiene supplies provided by the ADA, and a positive dental experience. Parents also expressed gratitude, knowing their children had received expert dental care and hygiene education.
A total of eight faculty members, including Instructor Del Rosario and Professor Donna Winterberry, six adjunct faculty members, and Dr. Rolfe dedicated their time to making the event a success.
Total services provided for Give Kids A Smile Day
- Child cleanings: 64
- Sealants applied: 147
- Fluoride treatments: 60
- Bitewing X-rays: 64
- Panoramic X-rays: 14
Dr. Will Rolfe, D.D.S.
The total estimated value of these services in a private practice setting is approximately $13,000 – a testament to the dedication of PSC students, faculty and staff in serving the community!
Dr. Mitzie Sowell, Department Head of Allied Health, praised the Dental Hygiene program’s commitment to community service, saying, “What a great clinic, instructors, and students we have – willing to come in on a Saturday to provide a service that’s so needed in the community. Typically, if people have to ‘let something go’ because they can’t afford it, it’s dental care. Being able to provide this service to children at no cost is pretty amazing.”
PSC is proud to support community health and wellness through programs like this, ensuring that children receive essential dental care that will set them up for a lifetime of healthy smiles.
For more information about the PSC Dental Hygiene Clinic at the Warrington campus, visit www.pensacolastate.edu/community/dental-hygiene-clinic/ or call 850-484-2236.