Children received free dental treatment during Sunday’s Sharing Smiles
Local dental clinic Kool Smiles in Danville, Baltimore, offered children without a health insurance free dental treatment on Sunday. Patients were treated for free during the practice’s yearly event, Sharing Smiles.
Dozens of children aged 18 and under walked out of the clinic with less pain and discomfort, as dentists did not only provide them with cleaning but also performed complex procedures. According to staff, tooth root canals, crowns, fillings, extractions as well as limited emergency care were also offered. Treatment was provided at Kool Smiles between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m.
The clinic also offered advice and dental education to children and their families, in the belief that education can prevent most mouth maladies and avoid oral health issues. The event is already in its third year and is part of the clinic’s goal to help children who may not necessarily be able to make frequent trips to the dentist. While the main object of the clinic is to provide families with various forms of insurance with affordable dental care, Kool Smiles Managing Dental Director Dr. D Ray Gifford said, the practice was motivated to raise awareness as well as give something back to the community. Their intention was welcomed by community members, such as Lanetra Hill, one of the many mothers who took her children to the one day care event. She said what the clinic’s team were doing was “wonderful” and that it was “good” they were helping out the community.
The free dental care initiative proved to be very popular among parents and children living in Danville. Before opening times, a queue had already been formed outside the doors of the clinic, Office Manager Jessica Gutierrez noted, proving the event was a very popular one. The clinic’s staff were expecting to provide free dental care to about 50 patients.
Sharing Smiles is part of Kool Smiles’ plan to provide social service to children who do not have insurance. As part of the plan, dentists from the Danville clinic will travel to South America to give free treatment to members of communities in countries such as Ecuador and more.
Kool Smiles’ free dental care day will continue in 2017, company representatives have said.
Image source: Pixabay
