Kids get free dental care

LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - Several kids opened wide and got their teeth cleaned and repaired-- for free. Local dentists joined in the nationwide "Give Kids a Smile Day". The annual event is sponsored by the American Dental Association. Kids received free dental services like routine cleanings, fillings, and extractions. The Tippecanoe Community Health Clinic was booked all day with new patients. Dentist Jill Adams said the event gives free dental care to kids who might otherwise be unable to afford it.

"It definitely saves them a lot of money. Today we've already treated one child and done over a thousand dollars worth of work for free for that patient. So, that's money in their pocket that they wouldn't have probably to get the work done," Adams said.

In addition to the free dental work, the kids all received a goodie bag filled with toothbrush, toothpaste, and a special tooth cleaning timer.