Dentists propose "Cash for Candy"

The "Cash for Clunkers" program was a huge hit for car buyers, and dentists are hoping their "Cash for Candy" program goes over just as well with trick-or-treaters.

Halloween is a dream come true for trick or treaters; they run door to door to get as much candy as their bags or buckets will hold. But the holiday is a nightmare for Doctor John James and other dentists. James sees October 31 as a potential breeding ground for childhood tooth decay.

Dr. James said it is difficult for parents to make Halloween a healthier proposition for their children's teeth. He said some parents will give their kids one piece of candy every day to space out the sugar they give their kids, a good-intentioned practice James said does more harm than good. From a dental-health standpoint, James said parents might as well give children the whole candy supply at once.

What can be done? Kids love candy.

James has joined a group of dentists nationwide who are proposing a novel solution.

"We don't want to take (the holiday) away from them," Doctor James said. "On the other hand, nowadays more than ever, who's got an extra 150 bucks for a filling? "

Money is behind the "Cash for Candy" program. Kids who take part will bring in their candy and weigh it on a scale.

"...And (we) give them cold hard cash," said James. "They will love it. It will be just as exciting for them to get a few dollars than it will be to collect the candy on Halloween."

Doctor James said 12 and 13 year olds are the most likely to take advantage of the program.

James said they have the highest risk too.

"Because they're getting their molars, especially 12 and 13-year-olds are getting their second molars," Doctor James said. "And we are seeing those second molars decay before they are even erupted."

Doctor James said he is not sure how many kids will give up candy bars for cash, but if it keeps even a few out of his chair, he said it is worth it.

What are dentists doing with the candy they collect? While it's tempting to imagine dentists's sparkling smiles chomping down on bonanza of collected candy, the truth is a little more noble: the candy they gather will be shipped to U.S. soldiers serving overseas.

Klondike Dental Care is not the only dentist office taking part in the "Cash for Candy" program: dentists are taking part nationwide. To find an office near you that's taking part, visit http://www.halloweencandybuyback.com/ and enter your zip code.