By Mary Ellen Zangara, Special Writer
Manville Dental Group will once again participate in its annual Give Kids A Smile program tomorrow, Friday, to kick off National Dental Month.
The nationwide event is observed the first Friday of February and focuses on providing oral health education to all children despite their economic status. Give Kids A Smile was designed to provide preventive and restorative care and education to low-income children who do not have access to dental care.
Nicole Kurz, coordinator of the event, is very excited to help the children once again.
”Right now we are preparing to see at least 44 children during our 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. event,” she said. “I get so excited planning the Give Kids A Smile event because it’s all about the kids. The dentist can be a scary place but it’s my goal to have these kids wanting to come back.
”Once again Drs. John Chen, Gary Small and Nirali Trivedi are providing free dental care to children between the ages of 3 and 12 coming from economically challenged families,” she said.
According to Ms. Kurz, Manville Dental Group held its first event in 2006 and treated four children, but last year the practice provided dental care for 42 children, and this year’s goal is 60 children.
”Children will receive a free exam, X-rays and cleaning and goodie bags,” said Ms. Kurz.
Manville Dental Group helps the community by participating in this national event and with the special financing.
”Many of the families not only continued their children’s treatment but all the members of their families joined our practice because we accept monthly payment plans and financing through Care Credit,” Ms. Kurz said.
Dr. Small explained why the group participates in the event each year.
”Without our patients we do not have a practice, so we like to give back to the community that helped build it. Give Kids a Smile is a perfect way to give back to that community and help those who really cannot help themselves our children,” the dentist said.
”After being in practice for over 30 years, it’s events like Give Kids A Smile that really make dentistry worth all the hard work. I get so much satisfaction from volunteering my time for such an important cause; and spending the day with so many children is truly a joy,” Dr. Chen said. “Nicole has been coordinating this event since 2006 and every year she finds a way to make the day even more successful. We are very proud to have her on our team and were really looking forward to Feb. 4.”
Manville Dental is located at 7 Washington Ave .To participate in the Give Kids A Smile event call Manville Dental at (908) 722-6500 or send an e-mail to [email protected] to make an appointment as space is limited.
