WCC Dental Assisting Students Volunteer at Give Kids A Smile Event

WCC Dental Assisting Students Volunteer at Give Kids A Smile Event

WILKESBORO, N.C. – Dental Assisting students from Wilkes Community College participated in the Give Kids A Smile event on Friday, February 7, 2025, at the Wilkes Public Health Dental Clinic. This program, established in 2003 by the American Dental Association Foundation, is dedicated to providing oral health care services and education to underserved children.

During the event, the students assisted in delivering care to approximately 80 patients who reside in Wilkes County and do not have dental insurance coverage. With the invaluable support of volunteer dentists, hygienists, assistants, and fellow students, the program was able to provide over $48,000 worth of dental treatments free of charge. The services rendered included preventive care, restorative procedures, and other essential dental services.

The students offered their insights on this impactful experience:

“Everyone involved was exceptionally kind and welcoming. It was a remarkable opportunity to assist others and establish meaningful connections.”

“This experience represents only the beginning of my journey, but I am confident in my ability to excel in this profession.”

“I feel fortunate to be gaining knowledge and skills in this field, and I look forward to future opportunities like this. It was a fulfilling day, and I am eager to continue my education and personal growth.”

“Today was a significant and emotionally rewarding learning experience that I will always treasure. I am profoundly grateful to have contributed to restoring smiles.”

“Expressing gratitude for my experience at Give Kids A Smile feels insufficient.”

“Working collaboratively with others to enhance the well-being of individuals is profoundly meaningful to me. I sincerely appreciate the opportunity to participate in Give Kids A Smile; it truly brightened my day and exemplified the powerful impact of dentistry.”

Wilkes Community College, a member of the North Carolina Community College System, is a public, two-year, open-door institution serving the people of Wilkes, Ashe, and Alleghany counties and beyond. Established in 1965, WCC has a proud history of meeting the educational, cultural, and workforce needs of our community. As we look to the future, Wilkes Community College provides programs, resources, and services that create quality educational, economic development, and cultural opportunities. WCC aspires to be an effective, learner-centered institution and a dynamic learning organization, preparing students for success in a changing world.

Front row l-r: Mia Call, Gaby Limon-Davalos, Jaelyn Carter, Natalie Adams, Gaby Ruvalcaba-Barragan, Selina Resendiz, Adriana Cortez Alonso, and Lyndsay Bonilla-Rodriguez.

Back row l-r: Madi Roland, Breanna Cardwell, Lauren Eller, Lilly Reeves, Natalie Johnson

Lexie Dawson, Shaley Willard, Christopher Velasquez, Michael Pacheco, and Isabella Bonilla.