More than 100 kids get free dental care at Choffin event

By William K. Alcorn | February 6, 2015 at 12:02a.m.

YOUNGSTOWN

For the most part, the kids smiled and so did the volunteer dental professionals during Give Kids A Smile program Thursday at the Choffin Career & Technical Center.

The program continues today at the center at 200 E. Wood St.

Through the Give Kids A Smile program, in its 13th year, dental professionals across Ohio and the United States volunteer their time to provide screenings, treatment and oral-health education to children.

For many of the children, it is their first time seeing a dentist, said Dr. Sergio Nadler of the local Corydon Palmer Dental Society, sponsor of the local event since 2003.

He said more than 100 children from Trumbull County Head Start and Summit Academy in Youngstown will be examined over the two-day program by some 35 volunteers, including dentists, dental hygienists, students from Choffin’s dental-assistant program and dental residents from ValleyCare Health System of Ohio and St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital.

They provided examinations, preventive care, restorative care such as extractions and fillings, cleanings, X-rays and fluoride treatments.

“The kids love it, and so do the volunteers,” said Tina Davis, dental hygienist and instructor for the Choffin dental program.

“I enjoy helping people, and this is my first experience treating children,” said Kayla Brahler, 22, a 2010 graduate of Poland Seminary High School and an instructor at the Judy Conti Dance Studio in Boardman. She will complete the 10-month Choffin dental-assisting program in June.

The Choffin dental program is one of just five in Ohio accredited by the American Dental Association, Davis said.

Named a Give Kids A Smile Ambassador by ADA, Dr. Nadler said he is active in the program because there is a need in the community.

“The younger we see kids, the earlier preventive oral-health actions can be done,” he said.

“We are grateful to Paula Oliver, head of the Choffin dental program, for opening the school’s doors for our program, and to Tina, who helps me organize the event,” Dr. Nadler said.