On a recent Saturday, the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry hosted its annual Kids’ Day, offering free dental services to 74 children. The event, sponsored in part by the Delta Dental of Oklahoma Foundation, took place at the college in Oklahoma City.
Kids’ Day, which began 26 years ago, aims to provide dental care to Oklahoma children aged four to 12 who might not otherwise have access to these services. During the event, OU dental students, under the supervision of faculty and trained dentists, performed 472 procedures. These services would have cost an estimated $46,013 if not provided for free.
The idea for Kids’ Day was first proposed by College alumnus Darrel Daugherty, D.D.S., M.S. Initially focused on the Oklahoma City metro area, the event now has a statewide reach. More than 200 students, staff, and faculty members volunteered their time to make the event a success.
According to Dean Paul Mullasseril, establishing good oral health habits early in life is crucial for overall health and well-being. He emphasized that the event not only addresses urgent dental needs but also provides students with valuable clinical experience and teaches them the importance of giving back to the community.
Sophia Parker, a member of the class of 2025, noted that Kids’ Day allows students to apply their learning in real-world settings. She highlighted the importance of creating positive experiences for children, helping them form good associations with dental care and develop healthy oral habits from a young age.
The event is held each February, coinciding with Children’s Oral Health Month, to emphasize the importance of early dental care.
