Registration Underway for Upcoming Give Kids A Smile Clinic

The Give Kids A Smile organization today announced that both patient and volunteer registration is open for the next free dental care clinic for kids, which is being held in conjunction with National Children’s Dental Health Month. The event is Friday, Feb. 9, and Saturday, Feb. 10, at Saint Louis University’s Center for Advanced Dental Education. It is designed to meet the dental health needs of toddlers and school-aged children through 14 years old, who are Medicaid-eligible, qualify for the free school lunch program or need dental assistance due to other special circumstances. The organization has the capacity and resources to provide comprehensive dental services, completely free of charge, for up to 600 kids. Care is provided by appointment only on a first-come, first-served basis. Patient and volunteer registration can be completed through Friday, Feb. 2, by calling Give Kids A Smile at 636-397-6453.

Children registered to attend the upcoming clinic will receive X-rays, professional cleanings, fluoride treatments and sealants, as well as fillings, root canals and oral surgery, as needed. Give Kids A Smile works hard to create a non-intimidating, fun-filled environment for each young patient that includes an entertainment area featuring music, interactive games, face painters and balloon artists. Each child goes home with a free healthy lunch and smile bag that includes a toothbrush, toothpaste and floss, as well as a book, courtesy of the St. Louis County Library Foundation.

“As many as 250 local dental professionals come together, under one roof over a two-day period, to address a very critical community need,” said Erica Steen, executive director of Give Kids A Smile. “Lay volunteers are also heavily relied upon. No specialized training is needed for those lay volunteers, just a willingness to serve as needed, escorting children, reading stories and creating a fun atmosphere. Individuals, small groups, teams and organizations seeking service opportunities are encouraged to consider volunteering on Feb. 9 and/or 10.”

Give Kids A Smile’s clinics are held each February and October and have succeeded at providing almost 16,000 local underserved children with $8.9 million worth of free, comprehensive dental care since 2002. These events are made possible thanks to founding sponsor Delta Dental of Missouri and other contributors, including the Dana Brown Charitable Trust, American Direct Marketing Resources, LLC, William R. Orthwein Jr. and Laura Rand Orthwein Foundation, St. Louis Cardinals Care, Saint Louis University’s Center for Advanced Dental Education and Greater St. Louis Dental Society.

To learn more about the work of Give Kids A Smile, to volunteer or to register a child for the upcoming clinic, call 636-397-6453. The patient registration process includes the completion of health history and consent forms. Appointments are given on a first-come, first-served basis. Those who may need assistance coordinating transportation to or from the clinic are encouraged to reach out early.