ORANGE PARK – Ophelia held her daddy’s hand, not quite sure what to expect, while the dental technician completed her first cleaning. The whirring sound of the polisher was puzzling. The slurping sound of suction was scary.

Every time she squirmed, her father’s grip became more assuring.

When the examination and cleaning was complete, she smiled. So did her father, Randall.

Give Kids A Smile is an annual program by the American Dental Association at Fortis College, and it provides free dental care for children who have little or no insurance.

For Randall and his twin daughters, it was the only solution to a problem that’s becoming all-too familiar.

“This helps a lot of kids who might not have access to dental care,” Randall said. “A lot of people don’t have means for a checkup. If your job doesn’t provide insurance, it’s almost impossible to get insurance you can afford.”

Ophelia and her sister, Octavia, weren’t sure what to expect when they got their first examinations. Both were relieved, and pleasantly surprised, that it was painless when it was completed.

Fortis hosted 33 children on Friday, Feb. 6, according to Dental Assisting Program Director Christine Eason. It’s one of the largest turnouts since the COVID-19 pandemic.

In addition to providing and introducing oral hygiene to children, the event also gave students important hands-on training with direction of instructors.

“First of all, dental disease is the No. 1 disease in all children,” Eason said. “It definitely takes a toll on children. Dental care is not always as easy as it should be or as affordable as it should be. It’s important for the community to have that option.”

Ellington’s mother brought her two children for cleaning. She said the last time she took them to a dentist, she didn’t have insurance. With X-rays, examinations and cleanings, the cost was $700.

“This is awesome,” she said. “This is needed in the community. It’s very beneficial. Everything costs so much right now.”

Ellington’s exam and cleaning was performed by Cloie Coleman, who will graduate next week.

In addition to 33 children, there were 21 volunteers from the dental assisting and surgical technology, registered nursing and medical assisting programs, Eason said.