Every year, the Pediatric Dentistry Department proudly participates in the national Give Kids a Smile event. Sponsored by the American Dental Association Foundation, this community dental fair began as a one‑time initiative in 2002, led by Drs. Jeff Dalin and B. Ray Storm. That inaugural year, nearly 400 children received care. The doctors quickly realized they had reached a group in tremendous need, and by 2003, Give Kids a Smile had expanded into a nationwide program dedicated to providing free oral health care to disadvantaged children.
Since then, the movement has grown significantly. Today, approximately 300,000 children receive dental care through this event annually, thanks to the commitment of 5,000 dentists and 20,000 dental team members across the country. This year, on February 6, LLUSD cared for 35 patients in the Pediatric Dentistry Clinic.
The School also welcomed two special guests: Virginia Marquez, candidate for San Bernardino City Council, and Diane Higuchi, a generous donor whose support helped make our clinic toy room possible. Ms. Marquez and Ms. Higuchi were treated to a dental clinics tour led by Zina Johnston, DDS ’00, associate dean, Clinic Administration; Holli Riter, DDS ’98, director, Koppel Special Care Dentistry Center; and Rami Jekki, DDS ’06, director of Clinic Operations and Administration. The tour gave an inside look into the extensive services the School offers and the many patients that are served each day.
Both guests expressed how impressed they were, frequently noting the kindness and compassion of staff and students. They shared that the environment felt safe, warm, and family-like. Young patients were delighted with the toys and the excellent care they received, leaving the clinic with bright, happy smiles. Faculty, staff, and students were honored to be part of the Give Kids a Smile initiative and to be able to continue fulfilling the School’s mission: “Service is our Calling.”
