(PHOENIX, Ariz., Feb. 4, 2004) - It was a magical moment at the Phoenix College Dental Clinic when local dentists, hygienists and assistants volunteered their time and services alongside Phoenix College Dental Hygiene and Dental Assisting students and faculty during the 6th Annual Caring Hands Clinic.

The event allowed volunteers to serve 42 children from the Jack Kuban School in Phoenix. Volunteers provided preventive dental hygiene treatment, including cleanings, fluoride treatments, sealants, x-rays, oral hygiene instruction and dental exams. The donated services valued more than $8,700.

Five alumni from the Class of 2003 took special interest in the event and provided lunch for all the children and their families, as well as the volunteers. Marsha Bruns, Rene Bruns, Maria Vittal, Carla Christopher Martinez and Annie Westervelt prepared and funded approximately 125 meals for the event. Additionally, alumnus Maria Napier, served in the clinic throughout the day assisting students.

In addition to dental services received at the Caring Hands Clinic, the children will also receive follow-up dental care from volunteers of the Arizona Dental Association on Feb. 6, for "Give Kids a Smile Day" sponsored by the Arizona Dental Association. "Give Kids a Smile Day" will take place at the following locations:

--Boys & Girls Club of Metropolitan Phoenix Dave Pratt Dental Clinic
--Rio Salado College Dental Hygiene School
--John C. Lincoln Hospital Children’s Dental Clinic
--Desert Dentistry
--Dental Offices in Cottonwood, Gold Canyon, Flagstaff, Kingman, Mesa, Peoria, Phoenix, Oro Valley, Scottsdale, Sierra Vista, --Tempe, Tucson and Yuma.

The Caring Hands Clinic was sponsored by the Phoenix College Students of the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (SADHA) and was made possible by community donations and volunteers.

###