Dental News - Heroes for children

Fred Michmershuizen, DTA

Fri. 22 February 2013

save

CHICAGO, Ill., USA: For friends and supporters of the National Children's Oral Health Foundation: America's ToothFairy, it was time to celebrate during the 148th Chicago Midwinter Meeting. The organization, which is dedicated to the elimination of childhood tooth decay, held its annual “Celebration of Smiles” event at the Hyatt Regency, and some of the dental industry’s most dedicated and caring individuals were in attendance.

Dr. Gordon Christensen, a member of the NCOHF’s board, served as master of ceremonies. He shared photos and videos highlighting the various NCOHF initiatives. He also encouraged company officials, dental professionals and students to get involved in the organization’s various programs and activities through product and financial donations, volunteer work and outreach initiatives.

Fern Ingber, NCOHF president and CEO, thanked those in attendance for their support. She presented the organization’s Affiliate of the Year award to the Virginia Commonwealth University Department of Pediatric Dentistry. Margaret Snellings, who accepted the award, got into the spirit of the event by appearing on stage dressed as the ToothFairy.

Dr. Gordon Christensen, left, a member of the NCOHF’s board, and Fern Ingber, NCOHF president and CEO. (Photo: Fred Michmershuizen, Dental Tribune)

America's ToothFairy ambassor and rising star Savannah Robinson tells her story before singing ‘Beautiful’ at the NCOHF’s ‘Celebration of Smiles’ gala Thursday evening. (Photo: Fred Michmershuizen, Dental Tribune)

The highlight of the evening came when Savannah Robinson, a 14-year-old girl who has benefited from NCOHF’s work, told her personal story. Savannah was mocked and bullied because of her bad teeth and a crooked smile, but her family lacked the financial resources to do anything to help her. A director of her local Boys & Girls Club recommended Savannah for NCOHF’s Tomorrow’s SMILES program, and now she is receiving life-changing care from Dr. Mario Paz, a volunteer dentist.

Savannah, an aspiring singer, performed the song “Beautiful,” in honor of other children whose lives are impacted by the effects of tooth decay.

To post a reply please login or register

AGD calls for cooperation in improving care for children

CHICAGO, Ill., USA: More than 16 million U.S. children suffer from dental decay, and research shows that many parents lack basic information about oral ...

Online dental auction will benefit preventive services for children

America’s ToothFairy has launched its 6th annual online charity auction. Bid For Smiles will run from March 20 to 27. Dental products and equipment will ...

Many children with cleft lip and/or palate travel over an hour for care

ROSEMONT, Ill. – More than one in four children born with a cleft lip and/or palate face a geographic disadvantage to access certified treatment for their...

Thanks to Smile for a Lifetime, children receive free orthodontic care

ERIE, Pa., USA: When Tehya's family heard about Smile for a Lifetime, they were excited about the possibility of their daughter receiving free braces. When ...

Sealants not dentists' first choice for treating caries lesions in children

PHILADELPHIA, Pa, & CHICAGO, Ill., USA: American dentists are more likely to drill than seal non-cavitated caries lesions (NCCL) in children as ...

Children on Medicaid receive less care for cleft lip and palate

NEW YORK, NY, USA: Children with cleft lip and/or palate experience significant differences in obtaining dental care depending on the type of insurance...

Responsible use of X-rays for children is aim of an initiative

LOUISVILLE, Ky., USA: Children need smaller portions – this is true when it comes to eating meals, and when addressing topics such as imaging. It is ...

AAPD: Putting children first

SEATTLE, Wash., USA: Paul Casamassimo, DDS, the director of the AAPD’s Health Policy Center, succinctly sums up the unique way AAPD serves its ...

Henry Schein and partners help expand access to oral care for 300,000 children

MELVILLE, N.Y., USA: For the 14th consecutive year, Henry Schein Inc. is joining 26 of its supplier partners to help expand access to oral health care for ...

Team Schein helps make holiday wishes come true for more than 1,000 children

MELVILLE, N.Y., USA: Holiday Cheer for Children, an annual initiative dedicated to brightening the holidays for children and families, will make holiday ...

Education

Live webinar
Mon. 29 September 2025
9:00 AM EST (New York)