Give Kids a Smile Day

Inaugural Initiative Provides Free Dental Care for 160 Children

The Children’s Volunteer Health Network (CVHN), recognized for its steadfast commitment to children’s dental health, recently collaborated with Defuniak Springs Family Dental for a highly impactful event, “Give Kids a Smile Day” on July 19. This first-time collaboration brought together an extraordinary team of close to 50 dental professionals and community partners, resulting in life-changing dental care for 160 children ages 1 to 17. The success of this event is a testament to CVHN’s dedication to ensuring that every child has access to essential healthcare services.

During the event, children not only received vital dental care but also participated in oral health education, where they learned essential dental hygiene practices. The event provided an estimated $69,131 worth of complimentary dental services, including cleanings, fillings, extractions, and fluoride treatments. This remarkable achievement was made possible by CVHN’s dedicated staff, the presence of their two mobile dental clinics on-site, Pearl and Neicy, and the collaborative efforts of five general dentists, seven hygienists, six dental assistants, two pediatric dentists, two oral surgeons, one orthodontist, and numerous non-clinical volunteers. Key medical providers included Dr. Collin Myrick, Dr. Esmeralda Marcantel, Dr. Grant Marcantel, Dr. Joe Zwickel, Dr. David Hanna, Dr. Bradley Harrison, alongside Dr. Mary Kate Shelton, Dr. Duc Lam, and Dr. Anna Feng of Houston, TX.

Key community partners like Blue Water Oral Surgery and Sandy Smiles Orthodontics provided invaluable expertise and support. Additionally, Henry Schein’s generous donation of dental materials and equipment was instrumental in the event’s success. This collaboration highlights the power of community partnerships in delivering transformative care and strengthening community support.

Building on the success of this event, Children’s Volunteer Health Network and the participating dental professionals are committed to making “Give Kids a Smile” an annual tradition. Plans for continuity of care include follow-up appointments and referrals to local dental specialists for further treatment, all at no cost to the families.

The community’s continued support is vital to the success of these initiatives. Donations, volunteering, and spreading awareness are key to ensuring every child receives the dental care they deserve. To learn more or to get involved, visit  cvhnkids.org.

ABOUT CHILDREN’S VOLUNTEER HEALTH NETWORK

Children’s Volunteer Health Network, Inc. (CVHN) is a faith-based 501(c)(3) organization founded in 2005 to enhance the health and well-being of children in Walton and Okaloosa Counties. CVHN has traveled across the Emerald Coast in its Mobile Dental Care Unit to provide children in the community with proper preventative dental care. CVHN’s mission is to remove barriers to accessible and affordable healthcare for children in need through mobile solutions and community partnerships.

CVHN provides comprehensive dental health care services via its two Mobile Dental Clinic, which serves local elementary schools and other community partners. Since its inception, CVHN has facilitated over 158,000 procedures to over 18,300 children, delivering more than $8.5 million in free dental health services.

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For more information, visit cvhnkids.org or call 850-622-3200. Stay updated on programs and events by following CVHN on Facebook and Instagram.