The Community Health Center of Central Wyoming will be kicking off an annual event this Saturday by participating in the American Dental Association's Give Kids A Smile event.

"Give Kids A Smile is a nationwide event," says Keshia Brinkerhoff, Dental Hygienist with CHCCW.  "Dentists and dental staff volunteer their time to help undeserved children."

Give Kids A Smile saw its inception in 2003 when the American Dental Association came together with volunteer dentists and dental staff to create an opportunity for children to receive free dental care.  The goal was to help children receive the care they desperately needed and to raise awareness that children deserve to have a  healthy mouth.  This year the Community Health Center is one of over 1,500 facilities participating in the event.  An estimated 9,100 dentists are expected to volunteer nationwide, and serve approximately 350,000 children.

Brinkerhoff says that the CHCCW is working with the Natrona County School District to reach out to select elementary school students who may benefit from some free dental services.  "We're going to have cleanings, fluoride, sealants, exams and x-rays," she says, but the day doesn't end there.  "When they're all done there, we have a magician, a balloon sculpture artist, coloring, videos and we even have a face-painter coming.

Brinkerhoff goes on to say that they hope to be able to expand the services available for next year's event.

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