STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Staten Island University Hospital hosted a community dental outreach event on Feb. 21, offering free screenings and oral health education to local children as part of the national Give Kids A Smile initiative.
Organized by the hospital’s Department of Dental Medicine, the event provided preventive dental services to 24 patients under the age of 18. It took place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Medical Arts Pavilion on Mason Avenue. Families were also given the opportunity to arrange follow-up care through the hospital’s dental clinic.
“We are pleased to deliver essential preventive services to children in our community,” said Joshua Segal, chair of dentistry at the hospital. He noted that the program reflects the institution’s broader mission to promote oral health and improve access to quality dental care for families.
The hospital’s dental clinic offers a full range of services for patients of all ages, including pediatric dentistry and specialized care for individuals with complex medical needs. Treatments include routine exams and cleanings, as well as more advanced procedures tailored to children and adolescents.
Give Kids A Smile, launched in 2003, is a nationwide program aimed at expanding access to oral health services for underserved children. Each year, thousands of dental professionals volunteer their time to provide free screenings, preventive treatments, and educational resources at community events across the country.
The initiative is supported by the American Dental Association Foundation and is typically held during National Children’s Dental Health Month in February. Since its inception, the program has helped millions of children in the United States receive essential dental care.