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More than 300 area kids received free dental work at the weekend-long TeamSmile Outreach program held at the Chief's Pavillion.

Other activities included face painting and meeting mascots like KC Wolf.

Dental students join forces with TeamSmile

By: Greg Vandas

Posted: 9/15/08

Joining forces with area dental professionals, insurance providers and the Kansas City Chiefs, the UMKC School of Dentistry students participated in the third annual TeamSmile Dental Outreach program Saturday, helping administer free oral healthcare screenings to local children.

The students, coming from a mix of graduate and undergraduate disciplines in dental hygiene, volunteered their time and training at the TeamSmile 2008 main event, an all-day dental health exposition, located at the Chiefs Pavilion outside Arrowhead Stadium.

"I think it's a great opportunity to serve the public," said Megan Porter, 22, an undergraduate studying in the University's Professional Dental Hygiene program.

More than 300 kids from the Kansas City area showed up to receive free orthodontic assessments and teeth-cleanings, as well as enjoy food, carnival games, obstacle courses and their favorite costumed characters in a festive atmosphere celebrating healthy mouths and lifestyles.

Since its founding in 2006 by Dr. Bill Busch, D.M.D., of the North Kansas City Dental Group, the not-for-profit TeamSmile organization has been dedicated to providing state-of-the-art dental care to children from underserved populations.

The program travels the country, teaming up with various professional and collegiate sports teams to appeal to the kids with appearances by players, mascots and cheerleaders.

"I took a picture with [Chief's tight end] Tony Gonzalez, but my favorite part was getting my face painted," said LaToya Johnson, 15, of Richmond, Mo., "… and the chimpanzee."

Even live primates were on hand to excite the kids about proper mouth care.

Encouraging the spirit of volunteerism in the dental community is yet another TeamSmile mission, and UMKC Dental Students are just a few more community members happy to help the program realize that goal, Porter said.

Porter, who treated kids at the fluoride varnish station, explained her commitment to volunteer.

"The local outreach is really impacting KC communities," she said. "We're helping kids who couldn't pay for it otherwise."

The local impact has been strong enough to draw attention on a national level, adding sponsorships by brand names including Colgate and MetLife, and partnerships with the New Orleans Saints and the Green Bay Packers.

As for the future of TeamSmile, Dr. Busch believes its resounding success so far will only carry it to bigger and better venues.

gvandas@unews.com