The hum of dental equipment was matched by laughter and music as nearly 200 children from Blount County stepped into Bartow Arena on September 19 - not for a game, but for something that was game changing: getting dental treatment. For many, it was their first time seeing a dentist.

"In its third collaboration with TeamSmile, the UAB School of Dentistry once again helped transform Bartow Arena into a full-service dental clinic—providing free dental care to children who might otherwise go without. Reflecting the event’s growing momentum, this year saw an increased number of volunteers, with more than 200 participants , including UAB residents, students, staff, faculty, community dentists, and partners—all coming together like a well-coached team in a shared commitment to serve the youth of Alabama."

“This annual event is a powerful partnership between the UAB School of Dentistry and TeamSmile, providing free dental care to children from underserved communities in Blount County,” said Kyounga “Cecilia” Cheon, D.M.D., M.S., director of the Finn Pediatric Dental Clinic. “The support and presence of our team helped reinforce the spirit of service that defines our School of Dentistry.”

The day was designed to be more than clinical. Children were greeted by mascots, music, and face painting. A dancing tooth mascot, played by a dental student, was tackled and brushed by enthusiastic kids, turning oral hygiene into a fun activity.

Raquel Mazer, D.M.D., M.S., M.P.H., director of community collaborations, emphasized the importance of this kind of outreach and the barriers many children face. TeamSmile partners with athletic teams and oral health professionals to provide much needed dental care for youth.

“For many of these children, this was their first experience – or one of the first experiences – with a dentist,” Mazer said. “The opportunity to receive care in a welcoming, joyful environment can be life-changing for the children. Faculty and dental trainees teamed up to serve Alabama children reflecting the mission, values and goals of our educational program."

Cheon noted that months of planning across teams made the day possible. The Department of Pediatric Dentistry, under Cheon’s direction, led clinical care and provided a core group of residents. She credited her department chair Dr. Janice Jackson for providing steady leadership and encouragement throughout, and highlighted the coordination led by Mazer and staff member Sherry Campbell of the Department of Clinical and Community Sciences. Together, they managed logistics, compliance, sponsorships, and collaboration with Blount County school principals, teachers and nurses.

“Their efforts ensured that children arrived safely, received care efficiently, and left with smiles brighter than when they came,” said Cheon. “This was a team effort in every sense and the smiles we saw were proof of the difference we made together.”