Twenty area dentists provided free oral health services to 268 area elementary school children during the annual Give Kids a Smile event in February, which was part of National Children’s Oral Health Month.
 
The event was sponsored by the Regence Caring Foundation for Children and the North Central District Health Department and Delta Dental. The dentists conducted oral health exams, cleanings and x-rays on children in kindergarten through sixth grade without dental insurance, and had the services they provided been paid for, the total cost would’ve been $41,694.
 
Area dentists participating included Drs. Rich Bailey, John J. Johnson, Kent Simmons, Curtis Wiggins and Jeremy Wiggins in Lewiston; Jessie Cole, James Garrett, Clay Hansen, Larry Loomis, Bryan Schiavoni, Karen Sept, Dustin Weitz and Gerald Weitz, Moscow; Ammon Pitt, Potlatch; Jeff Sowle, Kendrick; Tyler Harrington, Michael Nelson and Brad Schaff, Grangeville; John A. Johnson, Craigmont; and Michael McCall, Kamiah.
 
“We were thrilled with the participation of the dentists and hygienists,” said Kathy Ellis, Idaho director of the Regence Caring Foundation for Children. “It was great to see these professionals give of their time and talents to help these children in need.”
 
Ellis said the dollar amount of services provided increased in 2010. “Last year we were just below $40,000 in services provided so it was great to see that figure increase this year.”
 
More information about the Regence Caring Foundation for Children is available by calling toll-free 1-866-938-0084.
 
About the Regence Caring Foundation for Children
The Regence Caring Foundation for Children, a 501(c)(3) organization, provides free dental care to eligible children in Idaho. It is sponsored and administered by Regence BlueShield of Idaho and has provided thousands of children with free dental care. Participating dentists provide dental services to eligible children at reduced rates. The Foundation is funded through tax-deductible contributions from individuals, corporations, civic groups, churches and other foundations. Contributions to help those children in need can be sent to Regence Caring Foundation for Children at P.O. Box 2560; Boise, ID 83701. For more information, visit our Web site at www.caringfoundationforchildren.org.