Free preventive dental care available for children during Feb. 21 Give Kids a Smile Day event
Friday, February 06, 2026 12:00 AM
Blog Highlights
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Free preventive dental care for children ages 3 to 18 will be available during Give Kids a Smile Day on Feb. 21 at the Dental Hygiene Clinic.
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Dental students, under the supervision of licensed dental professionals, will provide cleanings, X-rays (if needed), fluoride treatments, sealants and oral health education.
Student-provided care, professionally supervised
Macomb’s dental hygiene students, working under the supervision of licensed dental professionals, will provide free dental services to children ages 3 to 18 during Give Kids a Smile Day, scheduled for Feb. 21 from 8 a.m. to noon at Macomb’s Dental Hygiene Clinic.
The event is part of a national initiative supported by the American Dental Association Foundation and the Michigan Dental Association that focuses on improving access to dental care for underserved and underinsured children.
“Our students are providing the care, but everything is reviewed and checked by licensed professionals, particularly because many of these children are new patients,” said Wendi Sparks, associate dean of the Dental Hygiene Clinic.
Second-year dental hygiene students, licensed hygienists, faculty instructors and a dentist will be on site throughout the event.
The event is part of a national initiative supported by the American Dental Association Foundation and the Michigan Dental Association that focuses on improving access to dental care for underserved and underinsured children.
“Our students are providing the care, but everything is reviewed and checked by licensed professionals, particularly because many of these children are new patients,” said Wendi Sparks, associate dean of the Dental Hygiene Clinic.
Second-year dental hygiene students, licensed hygienists, faculty instructors and a dentist will be on site throughout the event.
The following services will be available to patients free of charge:
- Dental cleanings
- Oral health education
- X-rays, if clinically necessary
- Fluoride treatments
- Dental sealants, when indicated
“We’re offering the same preventative services you’d receive in a private dental office, but at no cost to the family,” Sparks said. “It’s a great opportunity for parents to address their child’s oral health without financial barriers.”
Meeting Michigan’s kindergarten oral health requirement
The event is an opportunity for young children to receive an oral health assessment (a brief screening to check for signs of tooth decay or other oral health concerns), which is required by Michigan law for students entering kindergarten. “This is a significant benefit for parents,” Sparks said.
About Give Kids a Smile Day
Give Kids a Smile Day was established in 2003 and is held annually at dental schools, clinics and private practices nationwide. The program emphasizes preventative care to reduce childhood tooth decay and disease.
The event is an opportunity for young children to receive an oral health assessment (a brief screening to check for signs of tooth decay or other oral health concerns), which is required by Michigan law for students entering kindergarten. “This is a significant benefit for parents,” Sparks said.
About Give Kids a Smile Day
Give Kids a Smile Day was established in 2003 and is held annually at dental schools, clinics and private practices nationwide. The program emphasizes preventative care to reduce childhood tooth decay and disease.
“Early dental visits can help reduce anxiety associated with dental care, lower rates of decay and prevent missed school days,” Sparks said.
About the Dental Hygiene Clinic
The Dental Hygiene Clinic is a teaching facility that provides care to patients of all ages while serving as a clinical training site for dental hygiene students. The clinic is part of Macomb Community College and is located at its South Campus.
About the Dental Hygiene Clinic
The Dental Hygiene Clinic is a teaching facility that provides care to patients of all ages while serving as a clinical training site for dental hygiene students. The clinic is part of Macomb Community College and is located at its South Campus.
The clinic offers a full range of preventative services often found in dental offices, including cleanings, X-rays, fluoride treatments, sealants and deep cleanings, all at a significantly reduced cost.
Since the clinic is a learning environment, appointments may take longer and, in some cases, require more than one visit. Vouchers are available for patients who cannot afford care.
Walk-ins are welcome until 10:30 a.m., however, families are encouraged to register in advance by calling 586-445-7161.
Walk-ins are welcome until 10:30 a.m., however, families are encouraged to register in advance by calling 586-445-7161.