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ENLARGE
Dr. Melissa Jones, left and dental technician Tina Cross perform a dental procedure on Alex Miller at the Dentist’s Office in Fallon.
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ENLARGE
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Dental technician Karen Isbister, left, shows first time patient Shea Sanchez 5, the proper technique for brushing her teeth as part of Give Kids a Smile Day.
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The Dentists Office provided 100 children free dental services on Friday at its sixth annual American Dental Association’s “Give Kids a Smile Day.”
“I think it’s fantastic that they’re doing this for the community,” said Trish Thomas who brought in her 16-year-old son, Bryan. “He was thrilled to have the opportunity to come.”
All dentists, hygienists, assistants and office members who participate are volunteers. Thirty volunteered at the Dentists Office Friday.
“It’s a wonderful thing that they do,” said Guadalupe Ryan, dental referral representative for Northern Nevada Dental Health Program. “They are so generous.”
Applicants received one hour with a dentist. Diana Larsen, clinical coordinator, said volunteers used that time to provide as much treatment as possible — from x-rays and cleanings to fillings and even crowns.
“You just want to do as much as you can,” Larsen said.
Larsen added that children in need of more extensive treatment were referred to dentists in Reno by the NNDS. Many children require more treatment because they have been unable to receive dental care before. Larsen said without regular dental care, children eventually require root canals, extractions and even dentures.
“They’ve never been to a dentist before,” said Jessica Sanchez speaking of her two daughters Jade, 7, and Shea, 5. “I have really bad teeth and I’m her mom. When I was a kid I had to have surgery. There’s always that fear that something hereditary is going to come down.”
Many parents, however, cannot afford care without insurance. Larsen said the children they cared for on Friday received an average of $500 in services.
“We don’t have medical insurance, and I’m just now going on disability,” Sanchez said explaining that she is in the first stages of multiple sclerosis.
Both parents and children were appreciative of the care at the Dentists Office.
“I have two cavities,” 5-year-old Shea said. “They’re helping me get out my cavity.”
Not only did the Dentists Office provide free dental assistance, it also gave out goody bags that included different items donated by local businesses. Bags included different items like a toothbrush, floss, toothpaste, a t-shirt, a balloon, toys, a swim pass, a McDonalds’s gift card, a movie pass, a pizza gift card or a Walmart gift card.
Applicants found Give Kids a Smile Day an impressive event and said they were astounded by the effort and care they received from the Fallon community and the Dentists Office.
“It is all for the kids and it’s amazing,” Sanchez said.
Anyone who missed the event can still acquire assistance through Fallon Dental Associates, which will have a Give Kids a Smile Day on Feb. 27. Additionally, they provide service to those who qualify all year, said Tricia Strasdin, Fallon Dental Associates administrator.
For more information or to apply contact the Dentists Office at 423-7400, the Fallon Dental Associates at 423-6547, or the Northern Nevada Dental Society at (775) 337-0296.
“I think it’s fantastic that they’re doing this for the community,” said Trish Thomas who brought in her 16-year-old son, Bryan. “He was thrilled to have the opportunity to come.”
All dentists, hygienists, assistants and office members who participate are volunteers. Thirty volunteered at the Dentists Office Friday.
“It’s a wonderful thing that they do,” said Guadalupe Ryan, dental referral representative for Northern Nevada Dental Health Program. “They are so generous.”
Applicants received one hour with a dentist. Diana Larsen, clinical coordinator, said volunteers used that time to provide as much treatment as possible — from x-rays and cleanings to fillings and even crowns.
“You just want to do as much as you can,” Larsen said.
Larsen added that children in need of more extensive treatment were referred to dentists in Reno by the NNDS. Many children require more treatment because they have been unable to receive dental care before. Larsen said without regular dental care, children eventually require root canals, extractions and even dentures.
“They’ve never been to a dentist before,” said Jessica Sanchez speaking of her two daughters Jade, 7, and Shea, 5. “I have really bad teeth and I’m her mom. When I was a kid I had to have surgery. There’s always that fear that something hereditary is going to come down.”
Many parents, however, cannot afford care without insurance. Larsen said the children they cared for on Friday received an average of $500 in services.
“We don’t have medical insurance, and I’m just now going on disability,” Sanchez said explaining that she is in the first stages of multiple sclerosis.
Both parents and children were appreciative of the care at the Dentists Office.
“I have two cavities,” 5-year-old Shea said. “They’re helping me get out my cavity.”
Not only did the Dentists Office provide free dental assistance, it also gave out goody bags that included different items donated by local businesses. Bags included different items like a toothbrush, floss, toothpaste, a t-shirt, a balloon, toys, a swim pass, a McDonalds’s gift card, a movie pass, a pizza gift card or a Walmart gift card.
Applicants found Give Kids a Smile Day an impressive event and said they were astounded by the effort and care they received from the Fallon community and the Dentists Office.
“It is all for the kids and it’s amazing,” Sanchez said.
Anyone who missed the event can still acquire assistance through Fallon Dental Associates, which will have a Give Kids a Smile Day on Feb. 27. Additionally, they provide service to those who qualify all year, said Tricia Strasdin, Fallon Dental Associates administrator.
For more information or to apply contact the Dentists Office at 423-7400, the Fallon Dental Associates at 423-6547, or the Northern Nevada Dental Society at (775) 337-0296.
