College Brings Smiles to ‘Special Olympics Special Smile’
From left, Lieny Padron, PG AEGD resident; Anna Spiller D2 predoctoral student; Dr. Michelle Madera, AEGD faculty; Karen Zapata, PG AEGD resident; Cassandra Gubala, D2 predoctoral student; and Emily Washburn D2 predoctoral student.
Predoctoral students from Special Needs Club, AEGD residents and faculty from Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine provided free dental screening and oral hygiene instruction for special needs individuals at the Special Olympics Special Smile event on Saturday October 15, 2022, at Bamford Sports Complex in Davie.
The Healthy Athletes program launched in 1997, according to the Special Olympics website. It consists of seven areas where Special Olympic athletes can receive free health screenings: podiatry, physical therapy, better health and well-being, audiology, sports physical exams, vision, and dentistry.
Special Smiles is the dental health discipline of Special Olympics Healthy Athletes® that provides athletes and individuals with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to take charge of their oral health. Special Smiles provides comprehensive oral health care information, offers non-invasive dental screenings and instructions on correct brushing and flossing techniques to Special Olympics athletes. This also includes issuing preventative supplies, like toothpaste, toothbrushes, and fluoride varnish.
Posted 10/23/22