Give Kids a Smile Announces Openings for Free Dental Clinic
ST. LOUIS, MO — Each February and October, Give Kids A Smile hosts free dental clinics for local children in need. Children are identified with the help of local schools, churches and organizations, but time slots currently remain.
If your child is Medicaid-eligible, qualifies for a school lunch program or needs dental assistance due to other circumstances, please call Give Kids A Smile at 636-397-6453 to register for the next clinic set for Feb. 10 and 11 at Saint Louis University’s Center for Advanced Dental Education.
The deadline is Tuesday, Jan. 31. Available appointments will fill quickly.
At each clinic, approximately 600 infants, toddlers and school-aged children are seen by dental professionals.
Comprehensive services include X-rays, professional cleanings, fluoride treatments and sealants, as well as restorations, endodontics and oral surgery as needed. Those under age four receive special, age-appropriate care in the Tiny Smiles area of the clinic.
Those in need of extensive dental services that cannot be completed within the allotted clinic timeframe can obtain the needed, and often critical, follow-up care at no cost through one of the many private dental offices enrolled in GKAS’s Smile Factories program.
Dental care services are provided in a fun-loving atmosphere. Delta Dental of Missouri’s Tooth Wizard, Panda and Spanish-speaking Tooth Fairy, along with a juggler, stroll the clinic floor, while face painters, balloon artists, games and music captivate the kids in Delta Dental’s entertainment area.
Children receive prizes, a dental care kit, a nutritious sack lunch and a children’s book donated by the St. Louis County Library Foundation.
To date, GKAS has provided 10,632 local children with $4.6 million in services with the help of more than 8,900 volunteers through 20 consecutive dental clinics.
“We understand that many families are experiencing economic hardships and other situations which may be preventing them from making their child’s dental health care a top priority,” commented Joan Allen, executive director of Give Kids A Smile. “At the same time, we understand the profound impact dental disease can have on children. We are pleased to be able to offer these free services to those in need and encourage parents to register their children as soon as possible as we only have a limited number of available time slots and they will fill quickly.”
To learn more about the work of Give Kids A Smile or to register for the upcoming clinic, call 636-397-6453 or log on to www.gkas.org.
Rosa Sharon
7:26 am on Wednesday, January 11, 2012
This is good work. Too bad those in the tempest-tossed "middle class" aren't also eligible. While we pay full price for everything, including taxes that support all the welfare programs received by "poor" people, we can't get any help with tuition, dental health, and on and on. Oh, well, have fun with that Panda, a juggler, face painters, and all of the other things Delta spends my premiums on - and gets a big fat tax break, no doubt. I'll just be looking for a 2nd job while you're partying. Sorry if I sound bitter. Maybe if birth control were also being taught to the recipients, I'd feel better.
Elizabeth
7:42 am on Thursday, January 12, 2012
Rosa - I understand exactly where you're coming from. It's hard to feel good about "feel good" programs when you're the one footing the bill in one form or another. It's doubly hard to feel bad for someone who claims to be needy when they're paying for their groceries with food stamps while talking on their smart phone. Just because a family has dental insurance doesn't mean they can afford braces either. ~Frustrated!
Matt
10:17 am on Wednesday, January 18, 2012
I hear what both of you are saying. I've personally volunteered with GKAS before, so I am disclosing my bias. I will also mention my viewpoint: THIS IS ABOUT KIDS.
I don't go around saying kids are "little miracles" - I do not have any of my own. I do remember, however, growing up and being subject to the whims, actions and behavior of adults (parents and others).
This clinic provides free dental care for kids who can't work, have an unfortunate or low income lifestyle. We can argue to the end of time of why that is and why it shouldn't be.
I don't even PERSONALLY have dental care. I pay a hefty price tag when I do go see a dentist. Seeing a positive impact on kids who cannot help themselves is what this particular organization is about. If it was offering free dental to adults, I would not feel the same way. No matter what walk of life a child is from, they are at the mercy of us "adults" in every sense of the way.
I hope you both find something or already have something in your lives to positively contribute to your community.