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“Give Kids A Smile Day” Community Health Centers New Orleans offers kids free dental care

NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — They say a smile can go a long way, and dental professionals agree, so they held free dental screenings for more than 200 children for “Give Kids a Smile Day.”

“This is all about getting kids started and coming to the dentist, making sure that they are okay and understand the importance of oral hygiene, and that they actually come out and seek dental care and do it on an annually,” said President and CEO of DePaul Community Health Centers of New Orleans Michael Griffin.

According to Care Credit, without dental insurance, a routine checkup can cost close to $200 on average.

Chief Dental Officer Dr. Aleena Shahiryar says the screening can make a huge difference in children’s dental health.

“Sometimes you don’t realize kids are prone to get decay. Those decays can not only cause cavities in the mouth, they can cause serious infection, and patients can be at a higher risk of hospitalization,” said Shahiryar.

One attendee agrees, watching as her daughter dances with joy after her first dental checkup.

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She believes these events help the community, especially during challenging times for families.

“No insurance, when they don’t have the money to afford to do it, or the time. This was perfect making sure people who are not able to do this ordinarily would be able to get it done,” said the attendee.

Griffin adds that their efforts don’t stop there, urging parents to bring the kids back for follow-ups.

“We also have all of these kids come back for a follow-up with the dentist to get whatever treatment, ongoing treatment that they may need. And so again, this gets them started in those services in care,” said Griffin.

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