WVU dentistry students, faculty conducting Project Lucky Smile for West Virginia kids

Oral health education program to be provided to kids at Camp Horseshoe

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – Students and faculty from the West Virginia University School of Dentistry will conduct Project Lucky Smile for the children attending Camp Horseshoe’s Youth Opportunity Camp (YOC) in Parsons during the month of July.

Camp Horseshoe’s Youth Opportunity Camp helps low income boys and girls ages 7-12 to choose positive activities, attitudes and goals. The week-long camp helps children improve social skills and confidence, build self-control, learn to better relate to others and find hope for a better future. It promotes healthy lifestyles by teaching good personal hygiene, physical and mental activity, good nutrition and school success.

Second-year dental student Sawan Prabhu of Morgantown received a $500 WVU Student Government Association Grant through the WVU American Student Dental Association to fund Project Lucky Smile.

“I have volunteered at Camp Horseshoe since I was a student in high school, and the opportunity to give back has been an extreme pleasure,” Prabhu said. “Many people still don’t know about Camp Horseshoe and its value in making a difference in the lives of West Virginia’s children.”

Dental students, faculty and staff will present Project Lucky Smile at 3:30 p.m. on July 5 and 12, at 7 p.m. on July 16, and at 1:30 p.m. on July 27.

Through Project Lucky Smile, campers will learn about proper brushing and flossing, good nutrition habits, dental professions and the dangers of smoking and tobacco. They will also receive a goody bag with a toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, mirror cling, pencil, brushing timer and an activity book.

“We are extremely proud of Sawan Prabhu for her efforts in the Project Lucky Smile program.  This program provides wonderful instruction for children in West Virginia on the importance of maintaining excellent oral hygiene and good nutrition throughout their lifetimes,” David Felton, D.D.S., dean of the WVU School of Dentistry, said. “What they learn at this camp can empower them to reduce their long-term oral healthcare expenses.”