Jeffrey B. Dalin, DDS, FACD, FAGD, FICD
The ADA's Give Kids A Smile program and its sponsors (3M ESPE Dental and Henry Schein Cares) hosted a five-hour children's dental clinic before the Bank of America 500 race at the Charlotte Motor Speedway on October 15. By doing this, they brought the GKAS message to NASCAR, one of the nation's largest spectator sport fan bases. Newly installed ADA President Bill Calnon joined 85 volunteers to give each of the 175 or so participating kids a panoramic digital radiograph saved on a USB drive bracelet for them to take home, fluoride varnish treatment, and pit and fissure sealants. The kids also watched interactive dental health education from Guru's Brusher Bailey Ed-Venture series, and met the dental health hero mascot in person. To make the day even more memorable, the kids received a backpack with a T-shirt and a dental health kit complete with toothpaste, toothbrush, floss, and instructions — and enjoyed a picnic lunch followed by a pit tour.
Greg Biffle, driver of the No. 16 3M car, has become a celebrity spokesman and the star of the new Give Kids A Smile public service announcement. He also made two visits to the GKAS tent on race weekend, greeting fans, signing autographs, and encouraging kids to take care of their oral health. To view the PSA or get more information on Give Kids a Smile, visit givekidsasmile.ada.org, or visit the GKAS Facebook page at facebook.com/GiveKidsASmile.
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