Press Release

A few appointments available for MCHD Dentistry’s Give Kids a Smile! event

Jan. 31, 2025

MORGANTOWN — It’s once again time for Give Kids A Smile!, the annual event when children without dental insurance can get a free checkup and cleaning at MCHD Dentistry.

This year, Give Kids a Smile! will be held from 8 a.m. to noon on Friday, Feb. 7. There are still a few slots available for eligible patients. Call 304-598-5108 to make an appointment.

The American Dental Association (ADA) launched Give Kids a Smile! in 2003 as a way for dental care providers to join with others in their communities to offer free dental services to underserved children.

This will be the 15th year that MCHD Dentistry, the only full-service dental office in a West Virginia health department, will be participating in this national event.

“At MCHD Dentistry, we really love the opportunity to give back to our community,” said Dr. Youseph Kassar, program manager of MCHD Dentistry. “With Give Kids a Smile!, as well as the similar Healthy Smiles Day for adults in November, we are happy to get to do that.”

Children 18 years old and under without dental insurance are eligible to participate. During a 30- to 40-minute appointment, children will receive a dental checkup, a cleaning and a fluoride treatment with a dental hygienist, and will be seen by Dr. Kassar or Dr. Courtney, MCHD Dentistry’s newest dentist.

“We also will be able to provide some restorative work when we can,” Dr. Kassar added.

Each year, about 300,000 children nationally benefit from more than 1,500 Give Kids a Smile! events, thanks to the efforts of about 6,500 dentists and 25,000 other dental team members.

Last year, 24 children were seen at MCHD Dentistry on Give Kids a Smile! Day, which is always held the first Friday in February, during National Children’s Dental Health Month.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, untreated cavities can cause pain and infections and can lead to problems with eating, speaking and learning. More than 1 in 5 children aged 2 to 5 years has at least one cavity in their baby teeth. Children from low-income families are more than twice as likely to have untreated cavities, compared with children from higher-income households.

“Kids who get through childhood with fewer cavities will do better in school, be able to eat a healthier diet and will have a better chance of good dental health as an adult,” Dr. Kassar said.