Smiles, Service, and the Atlanta Falcons: Dental Hygiene Students Make a Lasting Impact

(April 15, 2025) - Clayton State University’s Dental Hygiene students recently took their skills beyond the classroom and into the heart of the community through TeamSmile, an incredible initiative made even more exciting by the support of the Atlanta Falcons. 

This national program connects oral health professionals with professional sports teams to deliver free, life-changing dental care to underserved children. Our students were proud to step up as part of the oral health team at this year’s Atlanta event—offering smiles, screenings, and meaningful care to children who need it most.

Not only did our students provide essential services, but they also joined in the fun, posing for photos with Falcons cheerleaders and bringing a spirit of excitement and positivity to the day. For many of the children, the combination of receiving dental care in a high-energy environment with professional athletes and future health professionals made the experience unforgettable.

Since its founding in 2007, TeamSmile has helped over 55,000 children nationwide and delivered more than $20 million in free dental care and education. By participating in this event, our students became part of this powerful movement—one that doesn’t just treat cavities, but helps instill lifelong lessons about the importance of oral health.

Their participation demonstrates the values we strive to cultivate in every Laker: service, compassion, community, and professionalism. This experience was more than a clinical opportunity—it was a chance to connect, give back, and inspire healthy habits in the next generation.

Congratulations to our dental hygiene students for making such a meaningful impact—and doing it with heart, skill, and a lot of Laker pride!