As part of the American Dental Association’s Give Kids a Smile program, Goodwin College is proud to offer free dental services for children on Saturday, February 17, 2018, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., at 403 Main Street in East Hartford.

The Dental Hygiene program at Goodwin College is sponsoring the event, which will offer dental cleanings, fluoride, dental exams, and radiographs (x-rays) and dental referrals if needed to children ages one to 18, all at no cost to their parents. Last year’s campaign was extremely successful, with approximately local 30 children receiving dental attention. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are recommended. Interested families should contact the clinic at 860-218-1800 to guarantee their child a space.

“Providing children with early access to dental care will hopefully set the stage for a lifetime of healthy teeth and overall body health,” Goodwin’s Program Director for Dental Hygiene Christine Walsh said.

Patients will receive toothbrushes, toothpaste, and dental floss donated by Colgate following their appointment. All time, equipment, and other materials are donated by Goodwin. Appointments will take roughly 45 minutes to one hour.

Goodwin’s dental hygiene school is accredited by the Commission of Dental Accreditation, and offers its dental hygiene students a professional environment for learning, overseen by faculty who are registered dental hygienists.

The American Dental Association launched the Give Kids A Smile program nationally in 2003 as a way for dental professionals across the country to join with others in their community to provide dental services to underserved children. The program initially began as a one-day event, but has since grown to local and national events year-round. Each year, approximately 350,000 children benefit from more than 1,500 events, all because of the efforts of 40,000 or more annual volunteers.

For more information, contact the Goodwin Dental Hygiene Clinic at 860-218-1800.