Giving Back, Giving Smiles

by Sarah Hawes

LOCAL LORENZO WALKER DENTAL ASSISTANT STUDENTS TEACH CHILDREN ABOUT ORAL HYGIENE WHILE THEY WAIT TO BE SEEN

Today a co-worker of mine shared a familiar  story; an elementary school student he has  treated through our Ronald McDonald Care Mobile® who had never seen a dentist nor a toothbrush. Barriers to entry kept this child from the dental care services he so desperately needed, and it has taken over two summers of dental treatments to find his healthy smile.

Last year, in recognition of this need, the Healthcare Network of Southwest Florida (HCN) hosted its inaugural Give Kids A Smile® event on February 28th, to give underprivileged children access to free dental services. Twenty volunteers joined HCN dentists and dental assistants to provide thirty six children with over $21,000 in donated sealants, fluoride treatments and more.

This year, HCN is looking to make an even bigger impact than ever before. With local statistics indicating that thousands of people go without dental care, HCN is ramping up efforts to reach more children…and adults. By partnering with Park Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, these two groups are hosting events two weeks in a row.

Give Kids a Smile will be held on February 13th for Children 18 and under, followed by Park Family’s Dentistry from the Heart February 27th event for adults 18 and older.

Bridging the oral healthcare gap for children and adults will ensure a healthier community tomorrow.

For details about Give Kids a Smile contact 239.658.3000 or www.healthcareswfl.org For details about Dentistry from the Heart
contact 239.263.1151 or www.myparkdental.com.