45 Healthy Smiles Patients Celebrate Give Kids a Smile Day

Feb 6, 2019 | 0 comments

A Give Kids a Smile banner displays in front of Healthy Smiles clinic to show support of nationwide initiative for children’s oral health.

On Friday, February 1, Healthy Smiles team members greeted patients with “Today is Give Kids a Smile day!”

“What’s that?” asked Nour Hassan, mother to 8-year-old Hamzeh, who was sitting in one of the dental chairs at the Healthy Smiles clinic in Garden Grove.

Give Kids a Smile is a day of service dedicated to providing free screenings and dental services for low-income and uninsured children. A dental cleaning for children alone costs about $75 with no insurance. Fortunately, every year, thousands of children are able to receive proper dental care because of the Give Kids a Smile program.

On this day, 45 patients were provided services ranging from preventive and restorative care such as fluoride, x-rays, cleaning, fillings, extractions, sealants and root canals.

“We’re proud to participate every year in this national initiative that allows us to join forces with other health professionals across the nation,” said Clinic Operations Manager, Darline Torres. “We [dental clinics] may be located in different areas but we all have the same mission to improve access too much needed dental care to those who are not otherwise able to.”

After patients finished their treatment, they participated in several activities such as drawing, learning about healthy snacks, and exercising in the Tooth Fairy Learning Center to help promote oral health with overall health.

Brother and sister, Kayla and Justin, join Healthy Smiles staff for some quick stretching exercises.

Patients also received a free Give Kids a Smile goody-bag that included a toothbrush, timer, toothpaste and floss.

5-year-old patient, Jose, holds his goody-bag along with tooth fairy bucks provided by Healthy Smiles.

“If today is Give Kids a Smile day, then I’m happy I came!” said Hamzeh.

Hamzeh and his mother hold hands during his treatment.

To continue raising awareness about children oral health, follow Healthy Smiles on social media for National Children’s Dental Health Month.

**Healthy Smiles is proud to participate in Give Kids a Smile day, however, Healthy Smiles does provide free and low-cost services for uninsured and Medi-Cal recipients throughout the year. Please call (714) 510- 3837 for more information.**