News 12 at 6 O'Clock, February 5, 2010

AUGUSTA---A field trip...to the dentist?

65 students from Augusta's Rollins Elementary got free dental care from the MCG Dental School. It was part of Give Kids A Smile Day, also happening at about 2,000 locations across the country.

"It didn't hurt or anything, but it felt kinda good," said second grader Caleb Tankersley.

Dental School Dean Connie Drisko stood in the hallway, in front of about half a dozen rooms where kids are getting fillings, x-rays, and other dental work.

"Just listen to what's in the background," she said before pausing a few seconds. "No screams, no yells

Kids also piled into a college classroom and learned about oral hygiene from their teachers, dental school students, and even cartoons. Some don't ordinarily have access to dental care.

"A lot of them have had care, but it looks like a lot need more care," said Adam Goldberg, an MCG student who's set to graduate in a few months.

Goldberg says the focus is on teaching kids that oral hygiene doesn't always have to be a nightmare.

"When they're in a group together, it's like the cool, in thing to do, if someone's getting their teeth cleaned, this guy wants to get his teeth cleaned too," he added.

"If you eat too much junk food, you could have little cracks in your tooth," learned Caleb. "You could get junk food stuck in your tooth and you get cavities."

Said eight-year old Avonia Moss: "It's good to clean your teeth and floss it everyday."

That will keep kids away from the dentist. But when it's time to get their teeth cleaned, dentists hope to teach them not to be scared.

"It can be a very pleasant experience for the kids," said Drisko. "Sometimes they're anxious to come back to the dentist."

Adds Caleb: "I'm gonna ask my Mama, 'Can I have a dental appointment here?'"