On Saturday, September 26, Pat & Emmitt Smith Charities partnered with DECA Dental to host a dental screening for over three hundred 3rd – 5th grade students at George H.W. Bush Elementary School in Addison. The school gym was converted into a “dental lab” for students where they were screened by dentists. Ongoing dental treatments will be available at three DECA Dental locations over the next six months, free of charge.
“Healthy teeth not only enable you to look and feel good, they make it possible to eat and speak properly. Teaching children about brushing and flossing today may help them avoid complicated dental procedures tomorrow.” said Emmitt Smith. “We are thrilled to be working with DECA Dental to provide hundreds of children with a winning smile and the gift of good dental health as they start a new school year.”
Parents were able to visit with DECA Dental staff about their children oral health while the children played games, had their faces painted out in the courtyard and enjoyed fresh fruit and food provided by Albertson’s. Inside, the DECA Dental staff put on performances for the kids to illustrate the importance of brushing and flossing and to answer questions from the kids themselves about how to best care for their teeth.
“DECA Dental is a local dental company that believes in giving back to the surrounding communities, here in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. We truly believe that children deserve the opportunity to achieve their own goals in life. DECA wants to give that child the first chance to have the beautiful smile they deserve. This is a golden step in achieving the self confidence the child needs to achieve their goals and be successful in school and life,” Dr. Sulman Ahmed, D.M.D. CEO/Founder.
About Pat & Emmitt Smith Charities:
Pat & Emmitt Smith Charities (PESC) is a 501(c)(3) public charity that creates and funds unique educational experiences and enrichment opportunities for underserved children. Focusing primarily in North Texas, PESC’s TEAM 22 program partners with established organizations to provide a multi-year curriculum for underserved students, accessing and funding opportunities such as a summer camp, tutoring and leadership training. In addition, PESC funds existing children’s programs in North Texas through its annual grant application process. Learn more at http://www.emmittsmith.com/pat-and-emmitt-smith-charities.