Over 200 kids avail of free dental service

Over 200 children trooped to the Seventh Day Adventist Dental Clinic Friday to avail of the clinic’s “Give a Kid a Smile” free treatment project.

SDA undertook the project in celebration of February as Children’s Dental Health Month.

Lori Serna, registered dental hygienist, disclosed that SDA intends to make the event an annual celebration for the CNMI.

“This is the first time that we have this on island and SDA is happy to sponsor it in conjunction with the American Dental Association,” she said.

More than 200 children, along with their parents, lined up at the clinic’s lobby as early as 8am Friday waiting for their chance to be treated.

Serna said all staff worked together to accommodate all who registered for the event.

“We’re giving a free dental assessment and screening. We also provided prescription for the fluoride, brochures and free toothbrush for everyone who came. Our objective is to create awareness among our kids and their parents, highlighting the importance of dental care,” Serna said.

Early last week, the dental hygienist was seen making presentations to Koblerville Elementary School students. Throughout the month, more public schools will be visited by SDA personnel.

In the past, Serna was an active participant in health fairs and campaigns.

SDA initially brought to the island the “Clinic with a Heart.”

Like the success of the campaign held every June, Serna hopes to bring the same to “Give a Kid a Smile.”

According to clinic director Dr. Ken D. Pierson, Friday’s event was also SDA’s way of giving back to the community.

“By doing this, we can make a positive impact on the community because we bring awareness and education to the public,” he said.

Pierson said the event caters to mostly children of low-income families who may not have the adequate resources to avail of dental treatment.

“We intend to make this an annual event because we’re helping these children of low-income families or people who don’t have insurance or a way to see a dentist. It’s good to feel that we’re making some impact on their lives,” he said, adding that many kids on island have inadequate dental care.

Brother and sister Zakari and Jaylene Reyes, of Tanapag Elementary School, were among those seen lining up yesterday.

Although it was their first time to see a dentist, they said the experience was fun.

“They look[ed] at my teeth…and cleaned it,” the 7-year-old girl said.

SDA dental clinic has been doing business on island for over 10 years.

It said parents who may want to avail of the free screening for their children can also contact the clinic to make an appointment.