Ostrow School of Dentistry students and faculty celebrated the season of giving a little early last weekend by handing out 2,000 free dental kits and information packets to the Los Angeles community as part of this year’s Angel City Christmas Celebration.

The annual event, held by Community Build, a non-profit agency dedicated to the revitalization of South Los Angeles, provides much needed support to more than 5,000 underserved families in the area.

Various groups such as the LA Kings, Mattel, and others come together to make the event possible.

This year, Ostrow students made their first appearance at the event, which took place at Algin Sutton Park on Dec. 8., where they handed out low-cost clinic information, oral hygiene instructions, and toothbrushes to visitors.

Those who were too little to appreciate step-by-step oral hygiene descriptions received coloring books.

The information packets included details about dental services provided by the Ostrow School of Dentistry as well as information on preventative services like dental sealants.

“Passing out oral hygiene information helps to bridge the gap for those who don’t have access to dental care,” said Carlos Sanchez, co-director of the Neighborhood Mobile Dental Clinic.

Deputy Mayor Torie Osborn was on-hand to present Ostrow’s students and faculty a Certificate of Commendation for the School’s continued dedication to the children and families in the community.

“The community oral health programs at the Ostrow School of Dentistry are a major component of what USC’s all about,” Sanchez said. “We always encourage students to come out for these events and volunteer. The potential impact you make on the health of these children and parents is the main reason why we come to these events.”

Photos by Heather Vecchiarelli MA ’12