ROCHESTER, MN-The Good Samaritan Dental Clinic in Rochester is participating in a program called "Give Kids a Smile."
The Minnesota dental association gives children in low-income families free, quality dental care.
According to the clinic, tooth decay affects U.S. children more than any other chronic infectious disease, so they're making sure kids get the care they need.
Colton and Wyatt Reed are in need of a visit to the Dentist.
10 year-old Colton last visited a dental office nearly 2 years ago, and for 7 year-old Wyatt this is a brand new experience.
Wyatt Reed said, "it was my first time and it's not that easy going to the dentist for your first time."
They're among 60 kids getting free care as part of the annual, "Give Kids a Smile" program at the Salvation Army's Good Samaritan Dental Clinic.
This is the first time the Reed's have taken advantage of the program. They're mom, Betsey says this year has just been a little rough.
Betsey Reed said, "we just really don't have the extra money right now. It's tight so it was a great help."
The nation-wide program is always the first Friday and Saturday in February, and it's run entirely on volunteer dental professionals.
Betsey Reed said, "it's wonderful that they give their time, their expertise to help everybody out who needs it..it's quiet now but the waiting room was just full of so many people who have been able to benefit from this; it's a great thing and we are thankful!"
Betsey's boys are both getting a cleaning and one is getting a tooth pulled, but the lucky news today is no cavities.
The program is not just about fixing a problems, its also about prevention..they teach kids how to clean their teeth, use floss, and recognize oral health issues so they don't end up with teeth and mouth problems."
Clinic Coordinator Pam Lawrence said, "prevention is the key to a healthy smile no toothaches just everything and learning from the beginning to take care of your baby teeth."
Now that Wyatt's first visit is over, he knows first hand about caring for his teeth.
Wyatt said, "they want you to brush your teeth so that you can have nice and clean teeth and you can see your teeth clean when you smile."
The Coordinator said that the care for these kids doesn't stop today. She said the Dentist's are committed to finishing their care if needed in the following weeks.
The Good Samaritan Dental Clinic in Rochester is operated by the Salvation Army. They've been open since 2002 and serve thousands of patients with little to no insurance.
