Dentists work to leave kids smiling

COUNCIL BLUFFS — Local dentists went out of their way to brighten children's smiles Friday.

The dentists provided free dental services to uninsured children as part of “Give Kids a Smile,” an event tied to National Children's Dental Health Month.

Participating dentists included Drs. Grant Flenker, David Jones and James Knott at Omni Dental Centre and Dr. Gary Smith of Broadway Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, both in Council Bluffs; and Dr. Robert Hurley at Tri-City Dental in Carter Lake.

Dental assistant students from Iowa Western Community College helped out.

The focus on children is an opportunity to provide oral health education, as well as to correct dental problems, Hurley said. Left untreated, dental problems can cause other difficulties, he said. If periodontal disease is not corrected, for example, it can contribute to diabetes or cardiovascular disease.

“By getting the kids in and getting some treatment started on them and giving them a good experience, it may alleviate some of the fear so kids don't develop a fear of going to the dentist,” he said.

Throughout February, an estimated 4,000 Iowa children from low-income families will receive free dental services as part of national Give Kids a Smile, according to the Iowa Dental Association. In Iowa last year, more than 3,450 children were served by 190 Iowa dentists and 760 other volunteers.

Dental hygienist Linda Meyers of the Child Health Specialty Clinic, the event coordinator for Pottawattamie County, works with local schools to identify students with financial need, who are then registered for appointments.

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