ORANGE PARK – Theo didn’t speak English, but he knew enough to jump into the dental chair and open his mouth wide. Really wide.

Dental assistant students and instructors at Fortis College still communicated despite wearing masks. Theo quickly understood their hand and eye gestures to complete his examination as part of the annual Give Kids a Smile program on Friday, Feb. 7.

He was stumped by the final procedure when they applied fluoride because it left a thick, sticky film on his teeth. One of the students laughingly rubbed her teeth with her tongue to assure him it was all right.

The American Dental Association program was open to families from noon to 4 p.m. Dental Assisting instructors, and students performed pediatric oral healthcare to underserved children, 1 to 8. The children received screening exams, fluoride varnish and coronal polishing. They also were taught how to brush and floss properly.

Give Kids a Smile started in St. Louis in 2003, and it’s grown to include more than 6,500 dentists and 30,000 dental team members who volunteer to treat more than 300,000 children nationally.

At Fortis, not only do children get crucial dental care, but students also get essential hands-on experience.

Including Theo’s brother, Yuri.

He had trouble understanding not to bite the suction tube until instructor Lashae Spinks pinched her lips like a kiss to show him to close his lips but not bite.

Theo and Yuri only understood Portuguese.

Sarah was in another room. She only understood Spanish, and Friday’s visit was her first trip to the dentist. Her teeth, however, were in perfect condition. But, like Theo, she wasn’t sure what to make of the fluoride treatment.

Give Kids a Smile is traditionally held on the first Friday of February. Fortis reported 19 children received free dental care.