Dental student SNDA member Darius Sanford says ‘Shop with a Dentist’ gives kids a fun experience, along with information about budgeting and proper oral hygiene.

“We hope this short-term mentorship experience helped lessen the fear some children have of going to the dentist. It provides us a way to give back to our community and provides a meaningful holiday experience for children in need,” Sanford said. 

The students hosted a brief morning program this week at the Novak Center for Children’s Health that included breakfast, coloring and budgeting activities and oral hygiene instruction. 

Following the program, each child and UofL School of Dentistry student mentor traveled by bus to a local retailer for a holiday shopping experience. 

The Wheatley Elementary School children were selected for the program by a family engagement specialist based on need. UofL School of Dentistry students held school-wide fundraisers to support the Shop with a Dentist program.

On Saturday, Dec. 1, 20 underserved local elementary school students will have the opportunity to take part in holiday festivities, buy gifts and engage in learning.

Dental student and local Student National Dental Association member Darius Sanford says Shop with a Dentist gives kids a fun experience, along with information about budgeting and proper oral hygiene.

“Community engagement is an important mission of our school and we are proud to be a part of reaching out to these children,” Sanford said.

The Wheatley Elementary School students were selected for the program based on need. UofL School of Dentistry faculty, staff and students donated money for the effort. During the event, each child will be paired with dental students and given $100 to shop for holiday gifts at a local retailer.

The event begins at the Novak Center for Children’s Health with breakfast, educational enrichment and a visit with the tooth fairy, followed by a shopping trip.