Giving Kids a Smile: Creating A Community Outreach & Volunteer Event with Your Team
According to a study published in the Academy of Management Journal, teams that volunteer together are happier and more productive. In the bustling world of a dental practice, where appointments, treatments, and paperwork seem to fill every moment, it can be easy to forget the importance of giving back to the community. Fortunately, my dedicated team’s desire to make a difference in the lives of children in need has always burned brightly. When we struggled to find suitable volunteer opportunities that aligned with our mission, we decided to take matters into our own hands by hosting our own “Give Kids a Smile” event during Children’s Dental Health Month.
The Search for Opportunities
Inspired by the American Dental Association’s “Give Kids a Smile” program, which provides free dental services to underserved children, our practice looked for opportunities to volunteer our services and give back to those who may not have access to regular dental care. Our initial search for volunteer opportunities led us to various local organizations and charities. While these organizations were doing admirable work, we found that scheduling conflicts, limited availability, and strict requirements often made it challenging for our team to participate.
Taking Matters into Our Own Hands with Give Kids a Smile
Frustrated but undeterred, we decided that instead of waiting for the perfect opportunity, we would create one ourselves. By hosting our own “Give Kids a Smile” event, we could ensure that it aligned perfectly with our values and priorities.
Planning and Preparation
The first step was to gather our team members and brainstorm ideas for the event. With everyone’s input, we crafted a comprehensive event plan. We secured a suitable venue, acquired necessary dental supplies and equipment, and established a clear schedule for the event day. We contacted local schools, community centers, and social services agencies to inform them about our upcoming event.
Promotion
To ensure the success of our plan, we utilized various promotional strategies. We created flyers and posters, shared information on our social media platforms, and partnered with local media outlets to raise awareness about the services that would be provided. The response from our community was overwhelmingly positive, and the anticipation grew as the event date approached.
The Big Day
On the day of our “Give Kids a Smile” event, our office was buzzing with excitement. Our team was ready to provide free dental exams, cleanings, fluoride treatments, and oral health education to children in need. The atmosphere was filled with warmth and compassion as we welcomed families from all walks of life.
The Impact
The reach of our event exceeded our expectations. We were able to provide over $12,000 in dental work for needy children in our community, providing them with essential dental care and valuable knowledge about maintaining good oral hygiene. The smiles on the children’s faces were priceless, and the gratitude expressed by their parents was truly heartwarming.
You Can Do It, Too
Your journey to give back to the community can also lead you to create your own outreach event. The right opportunities don’t always come knocking, so you may need to create them yourself. Our team was refreshed and rejuvenated afterward because we could feel the difference that it made. When you take initiative in your community, there is always a way to create positive change and bring smiles to those who need them most.
About the Author
Valerie Hallman-Hill grew up in North Carolina and attended North Carolina State University. She began her journey in the dental field in 2004 as an assistant and later transitioned to the administrative side of the office. Valerie received her FAADOM in 2022. She currently serves on the board of her local study club in AADOM’s Dental Professional Learning Network. In her off time, she is an avid runner and enjoys spending time with her family.
