For many people, going to the dentist can seem like a chore. But for many at a free clinic in the Northeast on Sunday, it felt more like a privilege.
Crest and Oral-B partnered with Family Dollar to offer free dental checkups to children and families at KARE mobile dental clinics across the Northeast on Sunday. (WTOP/Grace Newton)
WTOP/Grace Newton
WTOP's Grace Newton will be attending the free screening. (WTOP/Grace Newton)
WTOP/Grace Newton
The event was a “Closing” event aimed at improving access to dental care, educating children about healthy oral hygiene habits, and establishing scholarships for underserved dental students. This is part of an initiative called “The Smile Gap.” (WTOP/Grace Newton)
WTOP/Grace Newton
WTOP's Grace Newton undergoes a dental checkup. (WTOP/Grace Newton)
WTOP/Grace Newton
In addition to free screenings and fluoride treatments, all patients leave with a toothbrush, toothpaste, and information leaflet. (WTOP/Grace Newton)
WTOP/Grace Newton
For many people, going to the dentist can seem like a chore. But for many at a free clinic in Northeast D.C. on Sunday, it felt more like a privilege.
Crest and Oral-B have partnered with Family Dollar to provide free dental checkups to children and families across the United States with KARE, a mobile dental clinic. This weekend, both companies headed to Family Dollar on Rhode Island Avenue NW.
“Closing the This is part of an initiative called “Smile Gap''.
“In a perfect world, everyone would have access to care and everyone would know what's going on in their body and mouth,” said Dr. Whitney James, KARE Principal Dentist. Told. “We can provide a path to people who otherwise wouldn't have access to it.”
Nicole Ledger discovered the clinic while having coffee in the area with her 4-year-old son.
“We stopped to buy toys, and I said, 'Why?' He was scheduled for his next dental appointment, and he hadn't scheduled it yet,” she said. .
Leger said she recognizes the importance of having access to free dental care.
“I think this is really important for me and maybe for people who live around here who don't have a lot of opportunities to go to the dentist,” Leger said.
Cheya Dixon is an Account Executive on the Dollar Tree Enterprise team. She is working with her Family Dollar to help identify areas of need where KARE can work.
“I think it makes a lot of sense to have dental professionals that look like the shoppers that Family Dollar serves,” Dixon said. “I also think it’s good for the community when you think of dentistry and you see smiles, you hear music, you see volunteers welcoming you…We just want to do good.” I'm here to help, and I think the community is a really good thing.'' I feel that way. ”
No insurance or identification is required to visit the clinic. Hygienist Stacey Sanders said they don't turn anyone away, but her favorite patients are children.
“We feel that … if we give them the infrastructure, we can eliminate the 68 million Americans who don't have access to dental care,” Sanders said. “As the population increases, that number will decrease.”
Hygienist Amber Lobatos said care doesn't end at the doctor's office. In addition to free screenings and fluoride treatments, all patients leave with a toothbrush, toothpaste, and information leaflet.
“We tell them specifically what they need and point them to places where they might get affordable care,” Lovatos said.
She didn't have access to proper dental care at a young age, so now she wants to give back.
“I lost my teeth as an adult because I didn't have access to care as a child,” Lovatos said. “But it wasn't because my parents didn't care about me or love me. They didn't have basic education and understanding.”
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