Lasting Impressions | Winter 2014

The good news is that Buscemi, other resident pediatric dentists, undergraduate dental students, and faculty members can do something about it through the College of Dental Medicine’s annual Give Kids A Smile Day. On March 8, the team will be offering free exams and cleanings, as well as filling cavities, taking X-rays, doing extractions—what- ever is needed—for Broward County children and young adults who don’t have access to dentists. Sometimes, children arrive in pain with severe abscesses. Sometimes emergency treatment is necessary. Give Kids A Smile Day is a gift to the community from the uni- versity. On that day, children who Buscemi has preregistered from schools in at-risk neighborhoods, as well as from Boys & Girls Clubs throughout Broward, will fill the college’s 110 dental chairs. The event is open to all, even to those who just want their child to have a fun dental visit. The program is for children ages 2 to 18. But don’t think this is purely a medical affair. For small children, the clinic plans to create a fun environment with balloons. “I believe if you have just one happy experience as a child,” said Buscemi, 26, “you won’t be afraid to go back for dental care.” For the older attendees, they get the chance to meet one of the Miami Dolphins and enjoy live music from a deejay. Last year, the event featured the Dolphins’ Marcus Thigpen, Paul Soliai, and Troy Drayton. This year, Jason Taylor is expected to attend. The players make it a point to convey the message that it is important to have regular dental care. To make everything fall into place for the special day requires a lot of advance work by Buscemi, who serves in university-run clinics on campus and in Wilton Manors. While she will have the help of NSU’s 16 postgraduate residents and more than 250 dental students, Buscemi is the one who handles all the logistics and coordinates efforts with national associations and local suppliers. Give Kids A Smile Day also fits well with the NSU core value of community involvement. Give Kids A Smile Day was begun in 2003 by the American Dental Association; this will be the College of Dental Medi- cine’s 11th year in the program. Last year, the team treated 234 children and provided $125,000 in dental care. This year, Buscemi estimates 350 children will be treated during the event. She also is working with the Henry Schein Give Kids A Smile Day is scheduled from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 8. It is held at NSU’s College of Dental Medicine, 3200 South University Drive in Davie (just east of the intersection of 30th Avenue and University Drive). A parent or guardian must accompany all children. If not yet registered, it is recommended that parents call ahead to (401) 391-KIDS (5437) for appointments. Amanda Buscemi shows sisters Courtney Grunbichler, 10, and Kierra Grunbichler, 4, that going to the dentist can be fun. 8 x LASTING IMPRESSIONS