Spooktacular Smiles: No tricks, Just Treats for your Teeth!

By: Alanna Mackenzie Murphy

Athens Area Pediatric Dentistry, led by Dr. John Timothy Hansford Jr., is proud to announce Spooktacular Smiles, a day of giving back to the community!  On Thursday, October 31st, Dr. Hansford and his team will provide free dental services to children in need.

Services for the Event

A full range of dental services will be offered, including routine cleanings, preventive sealants, white fillings, durable silver crowns for molars, white crowns for canines and incisors, and extractions with space maintainers. In addition, anesthesia services will also be provided, ranging from local anesthesia (injections in the mouth) to general anesthesia (asleep for dentistry).

Appointment Process

• Contact us by phone at 706-306-7112 or email us at hello@greenpointpediatricdentistry.com to schedule an appointment.
• All appointments must be arranged in advance.
• Parents must accompany their child and provide legal guardianship documentation.
• For patients requiring sedation, a prior consultation with Dr. John Timothy Hansford is mandatory to ensure approval for office-based anesthesia (OBA).

Eligibility for Services

May Dantas, the office manager at Athens Area Pediatric Dentistry, explains that the services are available to any child aged 1 to 10 years’ old who faces challenges in accessing dental care. This includes children covered by Medicaid, those without insurance, and those with conditions that might make traditional dental procedures difficult, such as oppositional defiant disorder, Down syndrome, and autism. Children of any age who need general anesthesia are also eligible.

Community Efforts for the Free Dental Care Day

Ariana Miah (First-Year Development Liaison of Dental Minority Dawgs; UGA ‘27)

“Free dental services, an amazing team, and a fun/spooky atmosphere! What could make for a better Halloween? I am beyond thrilled to volunteer and be a part of Dr. Hansford’s free dental service day this October 31st. I’ve participated in Dr. Hansford’s previous St. Patrick’s Day dental service event and had the most wonderful experience, so I know that this experience will be just as fulfilling. There will be themed Halloween outfits/attire for the children, a photo booth, and of course Dr. Hansford’s dental services where children and families are the first priority. I am certain that through this free dental event on Halloween, we can make a true impact in the Athens community.”

LaDaniel Daley (Social Event Coordinator of Dental Minority Dawgs; UGA ‘27)

“Having the ability to give back to the community has always been important to me. Dr. Hansford’s “Halloweek” is the perfect free dental day for children because it encompasses the enjoyable Halloween season and comprehensive dental services! Through past free dental days, such as “The 3rd of July”, I have enjoyed working alongside Dr. Hansford and his wonderful crew that ensures that all children and families are taken care of. I am so excited and forever grateful to be able to give back to the community and play a role in this free dental day!”

Alanna Murphy is a third-year student majoring in Biology, with a minor in Public Health and a certificate in Infectious Disease. She is on the pre-dental track and is passionate about health promotion, working with children with autism, and community service in both her hometown of Columbus and her college town of Athens, Georgia. Alanna is organizing a free Halloween-themed dental day on October 31, 2024, with Dr. John Hansford. This event will provide pro bono pediatric oral surgeries and essential dental care to underserved families.

Dr. John T. Hansford Jr. is a double-board certified specialist in both pediatric dentistry and dental anesthesiology. The views expressed are those of the writer.

Article written by Alanna Murphy