Dentists provide kids with free care

Friday was the first time many youngsters taking part in the Give Kids a Smile 2010 health education event in Yuba City had seen a dentist.

Some cried, some were scared at first, but overall they did fine, said Denise Lorente. She was one of four dentists who offered the free service for children age 6 years and under from low-income families as part of National Children's Dental Health Month.

About 20 children, from ages 11 months to about 7 years old, in need of dental care were seen at the event coordinated by the Butte Sierra District Dental Society.

"We would have liked to have served more children," said Jeannie Pittman, dental society executive director. "We're happy to have treated what we did."

The youngsters, each accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, had their teeth cleaned and a new patient exam that included X-rays done to determine what was needed, as well as receiving information about dental care.

All who were treated were able to find a "new dental home," Pittman said, either with the dentists who treated them or through other methods.

Professionals taking part were Ernie Garcia and Charles Kattuah of Marysville and Tom Pelton and Lorente of Yuba City.

They were aided by multiple hygienists and dental assistants.

"Some children do not know any part of life without dental pain," Pittman added. "It affects their entire health."

The dental society has conducted an annual National Children's Dental Health Month event the first Friday in February — the National Give Kids a Smile Day — for at least eight years.

This was the lowest number of participants during that time, Pittman said.

"I think that it's wonderful that local dentists that have private practices take this opportunity to do something positive for the community" and help children who, for some reason, aren't going to a dentist, Lorente said.

"I'm happy to have the skills to help at-risk children," she said.

Contact Appeal-Democrat reporter Leticia Gutierrez at 749-4722 or at lgutierrez@appealdemocrat.com.