Sierra Place (from left), Dr. Erica Hollander, Kellyn Fuller and Dr. Jesse Hollander of University of Hawaii Maui College’s Dental Hygiene Program pose for a photo during the inaugural “Sea of Smiles” event, which offered free dental services to nearly 100 keiki last month. Courtesy photo

The Maui News

Nearly 100 children received more than $30,000 of free dental services last month at the University of Hawaii Maui College.

The inaugural event called “Sea of Smiles” was hosted by UH Maui’s Dental Hygiene Program on Dec.11, which offered keiki under the age of 18 preventative and restorative dental services.

“We worked with several community partners to help find the highest need families,” said Kellyn Fuller, co-program coordinator and local dental hygienist. “We couldn’t have done it without the work of the social workers, school counselors, child and family support services, IMUA Family Services and many others.”

About 25 of the 90 children served are in the foster care system, according to a news release on Sunday morning.

Program coordinator Rosie Vierra said that the inaugural Sea of Smiles event strengthened her motto, which is “the more you serve, the more you learn. The more you learn, the more you serve.”

Based on the American Dental Association national average cost of services, Fuller said the event provided $30,486.79 worth of free X-rays, exams, cleanings, fillings, extractions, and dental education.

Sea of Smiles was made possible through a grant by the Hawaii Dental Service Foundation, which covered all supplies.

In total, the volunteer-based event included seven local dentists, 11 registered dental hygienists, three dental assistants and most of UHMC’s dental hygiene students, according to a news release.

“We are already looking forward to another annual day of giving children the joy of a healthy smile,” said Fuller in the news release.