Special Olympics Colorado has two clinics coming up this fall at their Regional Football Events and they are looking for dentists, hygienists and dental assistants to help.
- Northeast Regional Flag Football, Saturday, Oct. 8 at Fossil Ridge School, 5400 Ziegler Rd., Fort Collins, CO 80528. As part of the event, dental checks with a mouth guard fitting clinic will occur from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Volunteers are needed from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
- Denver Regional Flag Football, Saturday, Oct. 15 at Lowery Sports Complex, 8200 E. Sports Blvd., Denver, CO 80230. As part of the event, the Special Smiles Screening with a mouth guard fitting clinic will occur from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Volunteers are needed from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. This event will be run by Special Olympics Clinical Director Dr. Allen Vean.
Event Details:
Through the Healthy Athletes® program, Special Olympics Colorado athletes receive free screenings in a fun welcoming environment that removes the anxiety and fear that individuals with intellectual disabilities often experience when visiting the doctor or dentist. Their mission is to improve each athlete’s health and fitness, leading to enhanced sports experience and improved wellbeing.
Athletes (individuals with intellectual disabilities), partners (neuro-typical athletes who compete alongside athletes with intellectual disabilities), siblings, parents/caregivers and coaches are all welcome to come through the screenings. Athletes can be as young as 2 years old and as old as 99 years old. On average, the majority of the athletes at these events will be 18 years old and older.
Special Smiles (Dental Checks) and Mouth Guard Fitting Clinic
The Special Smiles discipline of Healthy Athletes provides comprehensive oral healthcare information, including free dental screenings and instructions on correct brushing and flossing techniques to participating Special Olympics athletes. In conjunction with the screening, there is a mouth guard fitting clinic that will provide athletes with properly fitted mouth guards for the flag football season.
Note: This event is just a screening; no treatment or dental procedures will be performed. Athletes with dental needs will receive personalized referrals for follow-up care. Both events will be outdoors. Lunch will be provided for all volunteers.
If you are interested and available to volunteer, please sign up at the links below.
Interested in learning more about Special Olympics Colorado and its Inclusive Health Program? Click here.
Questions? Contact Jena Twete at jtwete@specialolympicsco.org.