In support of the American Dental Association’s “Give Kids A Smile” campaign, Adventist dentists from the Sutter Hill church treated approximately 40 children in their Jackson Creek Dental office in February. Dr. Dwight Simpson and Dr. Leon Roda III, in association with Dr. Ron Ask and Dr. Craig Kinzer, are part of a national community outreach of the American Dental Association that provides thousands of under-privileged children with free dental care each year.

As a token of their appreciation to the community, the doctors and their volunteers take this opportunity to offer free x-rays, cleaning, sealants, fluorides and any necessary treatments to children from low-income families. Spending up to one hour with each family, they also take the time to educate the children and their parents on dental hygiene and prevention of cavities. “Family education is the single most important factor in prevention of dental disease,” said Simpson. “We are happy to be able to provide this service.”

Ask, who originated the project in Amador County 21 years ago, said, “I felt that it was important to help the children of families who can’t make dentistry a priority due to the pressures of living on a low-income budget. This way the parents accompany the child, look into his mouth themselves and are present throughout the treatment. They actually become better parents through their involvement.”

Alicia Castorena, a single mother of children ages 2, 4 and 7, first learned of the program when she was a high school freshman in 1964. Her mother took advantage of the program to get Alicia the dental care she needed at that time. “Now, although I have a job, I don’t have dental insurance and could never afford dental care for my children,” she said. “Fortunately, my son does not have any cavities this year, but if he did, I know they would be taken care of, and that’s a huge relief.”

William Cantano, 11, brought home a flyer from Sutter Creek Elementary School to show his parents. They called to make an appointment and accompanied William throughout his screening and treatment. “He had eight cavities and we didn’t even know it,” said his mom. “Now Dr. Ask is taking care of every one of them today. We are very grateful.”

Children are notified of the program through their schools, and follow-up treatment is provided through the Adopt-A-Child program where they are referred to other dentists in the community for completion of special dental services.