by Hanna Singh
Johnston & Murphy Dental Care once again provided local children with free dental care and education during its annual “Give Kids a Smile Day.”
For the fourth annual event, the dental practice served 48 children from Ruston Elementary School, offering cleanings, X-rays, dental exams and instruction on taking care of their oral health.
Each year, the team at Johnston & Murphy dedicates this day to hosting third graders for a fun, educational experience focused on oral health. Along the way, students enjoyed activities, games and prizes. Two school busloads of children were greeted at the door with vibrant blue and yellow signs, a balloon arch, upbeat music and an enthusiastic staff.
Over 50 volunteers worked together to make the day special. Johnston & Murphy thanked volunteers from from the Lincoln Rotary Club, Louisiana Tech Pre-Dental Society, Northern Louisiana Medical Center, the Lincoln Parish Library, the Ruston Daily Leader, Trustwell Living at Russ Place and students from the ULM Dental Hygiene Clinic.
Johnston and Murphy Marketing Director, Amanda DeMoss, shared her gratitude in being a part of the team.
“I am truly grateful to work alongside too incredibly generous dentists. Their willingness to provide free dental care and education to so many children is a testament to their kindness and commitment to our community,” DeMoss said. “It brings me great joy to see our staff and volunteers come together, creating an event that not only impacts these children today, but equips them with knowledge and habits that will benefit them for a lifetime. Being part of this mission is an honor and I couldn’t be more proud of the work we all do together.”
Volunteers from Louisiana Tech, “Tech Buddies” escorted students throughout the event, while Johnston & Murphy staff provided the clinical services. Two volunteers from the ULM Dental Hygiene Program also assisted.
ULM Dental Hygiene Student, Julianna McMillan, shared about her experience in jumping in to help with the event.
“When I arrived, Mrs Amanda showed me around. I got assigned to a young boy and he got his teeth cleaned so I sat with him while he got his dental work done,” McMillan said. “It was fun getting to know him and helping teach him about taking care of his teeth. I’m in hygiene school right now and that’s a huge part of what we do, teach patients about home care. I really liked all of the stations. He enjoyed the cleaning and getting to meet the doctor. He was talking about going home and teaching his siblings what he learned. So I felt like it was awesome experience.”
Along with cleanings, X-rays, and dental care, the event featured educational stations where students learned about proper dental hygiene and earned prizes for their participation. The Lincoln Rotary Club provided volunteers to run the stations, which included a brushing and flossing tutorial, a nutrition station with a science experiment, a lesson on how cavities form, featuring a slime-making activity, and even a dress-up station where students could pretend to be dentists. The Lincoln Parish Library hosted a station where students read books and completed a craft.
Lincoln Rotary Club President, Victoria Sullivan expressed the club’s willingness and desire to participate each year.
“We’re always really glad to support Dr. Murphy and all that he does as a member of our club,” Sullivan said. “Lincoln Rotary is proud to supply volunteers to run the education stations. We’re happy to play a small part in such a great big event.”
Dr. Murphy started the “Give Kids a Smile Day” event four years ago, inspired by mission trips where he helped provide dental care to children and families. He wanted to bring the concept of free dental care home to help students who may not otherwise receive it.
Murphy highlighted the importance of offering this experience to children at a young age.
“It’s an event that we look forward to every year. Trying to instill some good fundamental oral practices in kids is essential,” Murphy said. “Hopefully they are able to avoid some decay and other issues in their formative years. If we can teach them these skills while they’re young, they can bring them home and teach their siblings and family.”
Dr. Johnston expressed his thoughts on the annual event and how it affects the children.
“Dr. Murphy brought back this amazing idea from Romania. Ever since then it’s been really gratifying for all of us, including the staff to be able to work on these kids,” Johnston said. “They soak everything up, they’re so receptive and so kind. I think they benefit from this and I feel like we’re planting those seeds to show them how to prevent decay.”
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