Give Kids a Smile Day

February 5th was the American Dental Association’s eighth annual Give Kids A Smile Day, and the first for Dr. Dennis Martin’s dental office in Lincoln. Give Kids A Smile happens nationally during February, which is Children’s Dental Health Month, and offers free cleanings and X-rays for children.

ADA President Ronald L. Tankersley says, “It is important that policymakers at the federal and state level strengthen dental provisions in public health programs to help put children on the road to good oral health,” according to the ADA website. On February 5th, some 50,000 dental professionals volunteered their services to more than 320,000 children nationwide.

At Dr. Martin’s 4700 Normal Boulevard office, they started with minimal advertising and plan to serve more children in the next year. For their first year, the office remained busy all afternoon with several families coming in for free check-ups. Three-year-old Chloe came in with her mom for Chloe’s very first dental exam and cleaning. She sat in the chair and smiled as the dental assistant cleaned and rinsed her mouth. Giggling and smiling afterwards, she picked out a toy from the Tooth Fairy, office employee Nikke Martin, and got her picture taken for the “No Cavity Club”.  Later, Darius, 12, and his 6 year-old sister and 2 ½ year-old brother came in for their free check-ups. Darius was a little disappointed to miss kickball in P.E. class, but easily sat through his cleaning and X-Rays.

Dr. Martin also participates in Nebraska’s Mission of Mercy, which is a once a year event in Nebraska established in 2005. So far 6,000 people have been treated, with dentists providing nearly $2.75 million in free dental care. The 2010 Mission of Mercy will be held in July in Lincoln as part of the 2010 Special Smiles. Lincoln is the host of the 2010 Special Olympics where a dental health clinic will be set up for Special Olympic athletes. More information can be found at the Nebraska Dental Association website.

Dr. Martin’s office welcomes new patients with an office in Lincoln (402-488-7020) and one in Waverly (402-786-2221). The offices accept almost all insurance plans, can work with patients for payment plans, and offer cash discounts.