Riverhead, NY - In celebration of National Children’s Dental Health Month, the Suffolk County Dental Society (SCDS) hosted their 9th Annual “Give Kids a Smile” event for underserved children at the Long Island Aquarium on Saturday, February 8, 2020. Legislator William Spencer was happy to attend to raise awareness to the cause and to support the professionals and other volunteers donating their time and expertise.
“We know that dental health is essential for overall health, and that accessing dental care from an early age helps children build the habits they need to maintain their smiles into the future,” stated Legislator Spencer. “I applaud the Dental Society for the work they’re doing to connect children in need with crucial preventive services and education.”
Families with children between the ages of 1-17, with limited or no dental health insurance, were invited to participate in this fun-filled day, which included complimentary dental screenings and treatments as well as a puppet show, dental education, and free admission to the aquarium. During the event, a team of professionals made up of dentists, hygienists, and students, treated a record 375 children!
The dental care and admission to the aquarium were donated by members of the Suffolk County Dental Society; dental faculty, residents & students of Stony Brook University School of Dental Medicine; residents from the St. Charles Hospital; and students in the Farmingdale State College and Eastern Suffolk BOCES Hygiene Programs.
Legislator Spencer was deeply inspired by the generosity and dedication of the volunteers who made the “Give Kids a Smile” event possible. As a way to acknowledge their efforts, the Legislator attended the Dental Society’s meeting on February 19, 2020 to present the members with a proclamation.
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Pictured to the top right: Legislator Spencer with pediatric dentist Dr. Howard Schneider and Denny the Puppet
Dr. Claudia Mahon-Vazquez, President of the SCDS, accepts a proclamation on behalf of her membership.
Legislator Spencer with volunteers at “Give Kids a Smile” Day
