Story reprinted from KMEG Television
The schedule is booked at Sunnybrook Dental in Sioux City on “Give Kids a Smile Day”. Their staff, along with dentists across the country, is providing free dental services to children.
Seven year old Alexis opens wide for Dr. Mindy Stevens. But in the chair next door, her four year old sister Zoë needs some convincing.
“Sometimes it takes a little coaxing,” said Dr. Stevens. The girls are her patients on “Give Kids a Smile Day”. It’s a nationwide event promoting oral health by offering free dental care to even the tiniest teeth.
“We want to bring about awareness that there are millions of children out there that do not have access to dental care,” said Stevens.
Cartoons on the television, a pink pair of sunglasses and a seat on Mom’s lap help calm their fears. But Dr. Mindy knows the consequences of skipping check-ups are much scarier. “Kids that suffer from dental disease often have a hard time sleeping, can’t eat, and have a hard time concentrating in school. They at times lack self esteem.”
And when kids are happy, Mom’s happy too. “It makes me feel good especially today knowing they need to get it done,” said Mom Katie Groth. “They did a good job especially with the four year old who was scared.”
Dr. Stevens says she enjoys seeing children, teaching them about dental health, and then sending them home smiling.