CARBONDALE, Ill. – Thanks to the efforts of Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s dental hygiene students, faculty, and local dental professionals, many adults in the area are smiling brighter.
On July 18, the SIU Dental Hygiene Clinic held its annual Give Adults a Smile Day. The event offered free preventive dental services to 18 adults who were uninsured or living on a fixed income.
Dental hygiene students Owen Osborne, Hadley Wyatt, Alyssa Milton, Paige Todd, Amy Kamran Disfani, Maitri Koirala, and Maci Miller provided exams, cleanings, X-rays, and fluoride treatments. They were assisted by dental hygienists Sherri Lukes and Jill Baglin.
Faculty members Jennifer S. Sherry, a dental hygiene professor and CDHC program coordinator, along with Renee Lipe, Bri Erthall, and Sara Uhe, volunteered their time and expertise. Local dentists Dr. Bryan Goldesberry, Dr. Robin Wetherell, and Dr. Douglas Teel also donated their services by performing exams and supervising the event.
Jennifer Sherry said, “This was a rewarding event. The patients were very grateful for the free care. Our students gain valuable experience and truly help people in our community through events like this.”
The SIU dental hygiene program also hosts Give Kids a Smile Day each spring, providing free dental care to dozens of children.
