Give Kids a Smile Day on Friday

This Friday, South Brunswick's in Dayton will participate in the annual Give Kids a Smile event on Feb. 3. Each year in February, participating dentists through the American Dental Association (ADA) provide free oral health care services to children from low-income families across the country.

"What we're going to do here in our office is schedule a time to look at each child and see what their needs are, give them a cleaning and if they need fillings we'll do our best to accommodate them," said dental hygienist Palma D’Angelo. "Some may need extractions or further care, and they will be referred to different types of clinics. But most facilities give whatever care they can on that day."

As part of last year's event, over 9,000 dentists nationwide treated about 401,000 children during Give Kids a Smile, according to the ADA. The program is so vital for the less fortunate to receive important care they may otherwise not have the means to obtain. Through the work of volunteers, kids may be eligible to receive oral hygiene instructions, screenings, cleanings, x-rays, fillings, extractions, fluoride treatments, stainless steel crowns, and much more, according to the ADA.

For information about eligibility and participation contact the New Jersey Dental Association at (732) 821-9400 or visit www.njda.org.

"This is such a great thing to give to the community for people who don't have the means, especially because it helps children," D’Angelo said.