WMBFNews.com | Myrtle Beach/Florence, SC | News, Weather, SportsArea dentists 'Give Kids a Smile'

Area dentists 'Give Kids a Smile'

By Jennifer Grove - bio | email

HORRY COUNTY, SC (WMBF) - With the debate over healthcare dragging on in Washington, one national program is reaching out to students in need with free dental care.

The "Give Kids a Smile" program seeks out students through the school system with dental hygiene needs once a year and pairs them up with area dentists who volunteer their time and services.

Dr. Ray Cleary, whose office is taking part in the program, says tooth decay is the most common childhood disease. As a state senator, he sees the need for volunteerism across the state as more important than ever in these tough economic times.

As her kids get suited up for a dental cleaning, Allison Daurizio sits in the waiting room of the Horry Georgetown Technical College's Dentist Services office, thankful for the Give a Smile Program.

"We had dental insurance and we don't any longer," Daurizio explained. "When I saw the brochure about it, why would you not do it if you don't have dental insurance?"

Organizers say a growing number of parents like Daurizio have called in this year, many after losing jobs or dental coverage.

"I actually had appointments in the fall and when our insurance ran out," Daurizio explained. "I just called and canceled them and started shopping around for prices for cleanings. It's so expensive."

While Daurizio's kids have grown up with regular dental care, many of the children targeted by the program have not been so lucky.

"We have so many children who are in need," explained Pam Moyers, who is helping to organize HGTC's cleaning efforts. "They fall through the cracks, they don't qualify."

Moyers says with this program, the kids who do not qualify for Medicaid can get free yearly dental work, and in turn the students at HGTC get a hands-on lesson in community dental care.

Without the help, poor dental hygiene could translate into trouble in the classroom, according to Horry County school nurse Pam Allsbrook, who recently won the award for South Carolina Nurse of the Year.

"If anybody has ever had a toothache at all in their life, think about how much that bothers you," she said. "Can you actually learn anything if you're in that much pain?"

According to the program's website, more than 52 million school hours are missed each year due to dental problems.

While enrollment is closed for this year's program, Allsbrook says interested parents should speak with their child's school nurse about enrolling for next year's event. Moyers says in between cleanings, parents should make sure their kids are brushing and flossing regularly, as well as staying away from sugary teas and soft drinks and drinking water instead to avoid cavities.

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