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They give dental care, less the scare

By DEMORRIS A. LEE
Published February 10, 2007

CLEARWATER - Charice Thomas lay back in the dental chair Friday morning, running the floss between her back teeth. Hygienist Kelli Whapham cheered the 14-year-old for reaching them and gave some loving instructions.

"Once a day now, that's your job," Whapham told Thomas about flossing, before the girl headed to the next station to see if she had any cavities. "One time a day, okay?"

Thomas was among 110 children from upper Pinellas who were scheduled Friday to have their cavities filled and teeth cleaned, sprayed with fluoride and X-rayed. The dental work was performed free as part of the Give Kids a Smile program, a national dental access day by the American Dental Association.

The Upper Pinellas Dental Association facilitated the program locally at Clearwater Dental Associates on Druid Road. On hand were 14 dentists, 21 hygienists and 20 dental assistants.

"The most important thing is we get to see kids who do not have access to dental care," said Dr. Matthew Burton of the Clearwater Dental Association. "We are teaching them how to brush, about tooth decay, the importance of flossing.

"People don't realize that your oral heath is directly related to your systemic health."

To qualify for Friday's services, the children had to be between 3 and 17 and Medicaid-eligible or at a certain level of poverty. Burton said school social workers and nonprofits that serve those in need were solicited. For many of the children, Friday was their first visit to the dentist.

The children had their teeth cleaned and had X-rays taken. They were given a fluoride treatment, and most were given sealants. Fillings and extractions were done for those who needed them. The child and accompanying parent were educated on how to brush properly and of the importance of good dental hygiene.

Each patient was also given a bag that included a tooth brush, toothpaste, dental floss and dental literature.

Scott Close of Tarpon Springs brought his 4-year-old daughter for her first dental visit. Nervous as could be, the girl snugged tightly to a brown stuffed dog. Close said without the free day of care, he would not be able to afford a dental visit because he's the sole provider and his wife is a homemaker.

"We don't have a lot of income ... so for us, this is a great thing," he said.

Burton expected more than $20,000 worth of free dental care to be performed Friday. At last year's event, dentists saw 65 children for free at an estimated cost of $37,000. All of the supplies used Friday were donated.

Next year, Burton said, there are plans to expand the services and possibly use more than one facility.

Carolyn Smith, a dental assistant, said the goal was to make the child's visit "a positive experience instead of a scary one."

"We want them to leave here not afraid, so they will want to come back," Smith said.

Demorris A. Lee can be reached at 727 445-4174 or dalee@sptimes.com.

[Last modified February 10, 2007, 01:06:06]