Connect Magazine

Give Kids a Smile

November 01, 2026

Students and Volunteers Give Back Through Community Dental Care

Hawkeye Community College provided free dental care to nearly 50 kids during its first-ever Give Kids a Smile® event held Friday, April 3, 2026, in the Dental Clinic on Hawkeye's Main Campus.

"Many families face challenges such as cost, lack of insurance, or limited access to providers, which can prevent children from receiving routine dental care," said Jessi Hanson, one of the event organizers who at the time was a Dental Assisting instructor and program director. "This event allows us to provide those services at no cost while also promoting the importance of early oral health."

Give Kids a Smile® is a national outreach program dedicated to improving children's oral health by providing free dental care and education to underserved kids. Through the generosity of volunteer dentists, hygienists, and community partners, the program delivered exams, cleanings, preventive treatments, and needed dental care to children who might otherwise go without.

Hawkeye Dental Assisting and Dental Hygiene students assisted, providing them with a hands-on learning opportunity as well as a chance to give back to the community.

" This event is incredibly valuable for our dental assisting and dental hygiene students. It allows them to apply what they've learned in the classroom to real-world patient care in a meaningful way. "
  • Brianne Mohlis
  • Dental Hygiene instructor and event organizer

Another free clinic was held this summer in partnership with Black Hawk County Public Health and I-Smile. During the month of July the clinic saw 180 individuals who had 903 dental procedures, saving the average patient more than $400.

About Hawkeye's Dental Clinic

Dental Care for the Community, Hands-On Learning for Students

Hawkeye's Dental Clinic offers both preventative and restorative dental services to the local community while serving as an active learning environment for dental students. All procedures are supervised by licensed professionals, and a supervising dentist conducts screening exams.

Visit the Dental Clinic

Did You Know?

Hawkeye offers one of six dental hygiene programs in Iowa, and one of four programs that provide preventative and periodontal care in an on-site community college-based clinic.

Dentals Programs at Hawkeye

Dental Clinic Expansion

In August 2022, Hawkeye opened an expanded dental clinic as part of the $21-million renovation of Grundy Hall. The features include: 25 dental care operatories (increased from 18), 5 intraoral radiographic suites (increased from four), increased patient security, improved aerosol management and air circulation, and improved technology. By visiting, you not only receive excellent care but also support the education of future dental assistants and hygienists.

Visit the Dental Clinic