Dentists offer services for free to give kids a smile

More than 60 Northern Nevada children are smiling more this week - or smiling brighter, at least.

As part of National Dental Health Month, The Dentists' Office and the office of Dr. Tony Guillen donated their services free to low-income children.

"It's a very good cause," said Dr. George Henderson of The Dentists' Office. "I woke up this morning and said, 'Oh boy! It's going to be a busy day.'"

Henderson anticipated work on 56 little mouths as part of Give Kids A Smile Day on Feb. 4, a national effort supported by the American Dental Association. An estimated 475,000 children were expected to receive care.

The Dentists' Office employed three dentists and two hygienists for the day. Balloons hung in the air and the Disney Channel aired to create an inviting atmosphere. Each child received a free T-shirt.

For many children, Friday's event was their first dental visit, Henderson said. Most received fillings, cleanings or sealant. A few with more severe dental problems were referred to specialists.

The children were referred to The Dentists' Office by Nevada Child and Family Services and the Northern Nevada Dental Health Program.

Dr. Guillen, who saw six children, said inferior dental health goes beyond cosmetics. Many children are referred by teachers or school nurses who notice poor performance.

"They sit their doing nothing with their chin in their hands because they're in so much pain," he said.

Rural Nevada residents often lack good dental care due to access or financial challenges, Guillen said. The results can change lives.

"If they're unproductive in school, they don't learn," he said. "It's all about giving back. We weren't all born with a silver spoon in our mouths."