By Hanna Singh
Students from Ruston Elementary school received a day filled with dental education and checkups during the 3rd annual “Give Kids a Smile Day” Friday March 15.
Hosted by Johnston and Murphy Dental Care, 43 children received over $13,500 in free dental care and participated in educational stations to learn about dental hygiene.
The team at Johnston and Murphy took the morning off to bring in two school buses filled with third graders. Each student received a blue t-shirt and had the opportunity to meet the mascot, a giant tooth wearing a crown. Twenty-two employees worked diligently to provide cleanings and checkups for each student, while volunteer dental hygiene students from Louisiana Tech and University of Louisiana at Monroe assisted in the process.
Johnston and Murphy Marketing Director Amanda DeMoss emphasized the importance of children receiving not only dental care but also education.
“I think it’s so important that they get this education because dental decay is the number one child disease in the country and it’s totally preventable,” DeMoss said. “I feel like we’re planting those seeds and showing them how to prevent losing or damaging those teeth.”
In addition to Johnston and Murphy Dental Care, several other community groups contributed to the event. The Lincoln Rotary Club organized six stations to educate students on brushing, flossing, cavities, nutrition, and even conducted a plaque attack science experiment. The Lincoln Parish Library set up a photo booth station for students and staff to capture memories of the day, while North Louisiana Medical Center provided two volunteers to assist at the nutrition station.
President of the Lincoln Rotary Club Victoria Sullivan expressed her gratitude in supporting the event.
“We’re really grateful to support not only Dr. Murphy, but also the kids in the community,” Sullivan said. “It’s super important for us to see the kids learn about brushing their teeth and other things they may not get to learn otherwise.”
“Give Kids a Smile Day” was first created by Murphy three years ago. Inspired by a mission trip where he witnessed healthcare being provided to children and families, Murphy developed a passion for dentistry and pursued it as a major in New Orleans. Today, Murphy and his team provide free dental work and education to students in the Ruston community annually, fostering an appreciation for good oral hygiene among youth.
