"GIVE KIDS A SMILE DAY" MAKES PARENTS HAPPY, TOO
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NORTHFIELD--Once a year, children across the country are given the opportunity to receive free dental care. It's a program many parents take advantage of, although this year, organizers say they're surprised by the turnout.

Kids in Northfield and across the country were opening wide and saying "ahh" Friday, as they filled dentist chairs for free dental services. "We don't have insurance, so we take her here for the program," said Yen Nguin, who brought in her niece from Egg Harbor Township.

From cleanings to fillings and just about anything else, the kids were given special attention from the senior dental students at the John H. Cronin Dental Center. "It's tremendous experience for those of us who get the opportunity to come here," said Rene Osuala, who will graduate from UMDNJ in May, "I think it's a tremendous opportunity for the kids and for the community."

According to a recent Rutgers study, more than one-fifth of children between the ages of 3 and 18 in New Jersey are not receiving annual dental care, which is what a program like this tries to provide, especially for those who can't afford it. "It's really good for us," said Erica Ramos of Somers Point, who brought her daughter in for the second year in a row, "that way I don't have to worry about taking her and paying doctors bills."

"I don't know how they do, but this is the best I can have in my life because they do a great job," said Gabriel Mendez, who can't afford dental insurance, about the services his son Alan received.

Despite the need for affordable, or in this case free dental care, organizers say they're surprised more people didn't bring their children and take advantage of this amazing offer. "We're a little disappointed this year because the turn out is slow," said Linda Stote with the Cronin Dental Center, "we don't know if it's from the economy or if people just aren't aware of what's happening."

But the kids who did make it in, say they're happy they came, "They're good workers," said 8 year-old Alan Mendez, who had three cavities filled, "I was nervous at first, but now I'm not."

A great experience for both the patients and those doing the work means it's another successful year of the program in the books.