OU College of Dentistry to Offer Free Dental Care at Annual Kids’ Day Event

The University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry in partnership with Delta Dental of Oklahoma Foundation, will hold its annual Kids’ Day event on Saturday, Feb. 26, at the College at 1201 N. Stonewall Avenue, Oklahoma City. Children ages 4 to 12, who have been pre-registered, will receive a variety of dental services that may include cleanings, fillings and crowns, at no cost.

Kids’ Day, a College of Dentistry tradition that began 23 years ago, is an effort to serve the community by reaching children who are unlikely to have access to dental services. Initially targeting the Oklahoma City metro area, the event now has a statewide reach and will serve nearly 100 children.

Under the supervision of trained dentists and faculty members, students pursuing degrees in dental professions provide a wide range of dental treatments and services. The value of services is expected to exceed $50,000.

First proposed in 1997 by dental student Darrel Daugherty, DDS, M.S., Kids’ Day is a much-anticipated annual event, planned and executed by students, with necessary logistical support from the department. Historically, more than 200 students, staff and faculty members volunteer to make the one-day event a success.

Kevin Haney, DDS, assistant dean for student and academic administration, said the department began tracking the value of donated services in 2002. To date, services valued at nearly $675,000 have been provided to hundreds of children at no cost. “In its 23-year history, Kids’ Day was canceled only three times, twice due to weather conditions. Safety concerns related to pandemic restrictions caused the event to be canceled last year.”

Paul Mullasseril, DDS, M.S, Dean of the OU College of Dentistry, said the benefits of Kids’ Day are important and are amplified over time. “Through its student and faculty volunteers, the College of Dentistry is making an investment in communities across the state. Kids’ Day creates an experiential educational opportunity that contributes to the development of excellent dental professionals. Further, it is an opportunity to engender in our graduates a mindset of service and citizenship.”

“We’re fortunate to have a dental college in our state with an international reputation for exceptional education and as a result, produces the exceptional professionals who serve our communities,” said John Gladden, president and CEO of Delta Dental of Oklahoma. “In addition, the OU College of Dentistry is conducting research that drives innovation and technological advances in dental practice and procedure. Delta Dental is proud to support this effort to elevate oral health and education for residents across the state, which will yield benefits well into the future.”

“Kids’ Day is a unique opportunity for our students to give back to the community by providing dental care that might not otherwise be available. The importance of dental care is vastly underestimated in terms what it means for general health and quality of life,” said Tim Fagan, DDS, M.S., head of the division of pediatric dentistry and faculty sponsor of the Kids’ Day program student group.

Pre-registration is required. Call 405-607-4755. Times will be assigned during the required pre-registration process. When available times are filled, pre-registration will be closed. Children must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Proof of guardianship is necessary if the patient’s biological parent is not present to consent to treatment.

Participants must arrive at their assigned times, but should be prepared for lengthy wait times and bring any necessary items such as medications, diapers, snacks or beverages. Free parking is available in the Stonewall Garage, northeast of the college.