Over 200 third- and fourth-graders in Oklahoma City accessed free dental screenings and oral health lessons at a unique clinic hosted by Delta Dental of Oklahoma and the Oklahoma City Thunder.
More than 200 third- and fourth-graders from Oklahoma City Public Schools got a different kind of dental visit this week. Instead of a routine checkup, they received free dental care and learned about oral health-plus, they got to meet some of their favorite basketball mascots.
The Full Court Smiles event, organized by Delta Dental of Oklahoma and the Oklahoma City Thunder, turned a typical dental screening into something much more engaging. Students who signed up in advance received dental exams and treatments, along with hands-on lessons about taking care of their teeth. The goal was to catch dental problems early and help kids feel less anxious about seeing a dentist, especially since many only go when something hurts.
A significant number of volunteers for the Full Court Smiles clinic came from the OU College of Dentistry, highlighting the university's active role in providing community dental outreach.
"The need is great, especially for children. Often, they see a dentist just when there's pain involved. And this gets them in early. One of the things we try to do is to catch those issues early before they become big problems. And that really gets them into that. And also, this demystifies going to the dentist for a lot of these kids. It's scary to go to the dentist. Being here helps them to calm down and know it's going to be okay to go to the dentist. You're not going to get lost," said John Gladden, CEO of Delta Dental of Oklahoma.
The event wasn't just about dental care. Kids could get their faces painted, listen to music, and meet Thunder entertainers, Rumble the Bison, and Captain Supertooth. Volunteers-including many from the OU College of Dentistry-helped make the day run smoothly.
By mixing dental care with fun and education, Delta Dental of Oklahoma and the Oklahoma City Thunder showed how local partnerships can make it easier for kids to get the care they need. This approach not only treats immediate dental issues but also helps children feel more comfortable with dentists from a young age.
The University of Oklahoma maintains a strong institutional presence in the region, offering campus services and official contacts for student and staff programs. While Full Court Smiles is not directly mentioned, the university's involvement in community health initiatives is well documented.
Author
Elliot Rowan is the Founder & Editorial Director of The Young Dentist, overseeing coverage of dentistry, oral health, evidence, professional standards, policy and dental technology. His editorial approach focuses on clinical usefulness, reliable sourcing and separating meaningful developments from speculation, marketing and headline-driven claims.
