National event returns to Kirkland Feb. 28 when first 100 kids from low-income families will get free dental service at Lake Washington Technical College

For four-year-old Diana Shoymerman, it might have been several months more until her mother could get her to the dentist. Changes at her mother’s work had the family unsure whether dental care was covered by their insurance.

But on Feb. 20 at Dr. Kate McKinney’s offices, usually closed on Fridays, her family was told not to worry about the costs on “Give Kids a Smile Day”.

McKinney and her staff of hygienists and assistants donated their time for five children as part of an effort statewide during the month of February by the Washington State Dental Association (WDSA). Services being provided for local children include exams by dentists, x-rays, fluoride treatment and dental sealants. Dentists recognize February nationally as Children’s Dental Health Month.

In years past, the Kirkland dentist has participated in the Give Kids a Smile Day event at the Seattle Center, but this year McKinney decided to offer children a full range of dental treatment from her office. It also gave her staff a chance to get involved.

“I was so excited to come in this morning,” said dental assistant Jessie Stewart. “You usually don’t get a lot of kids in this office.”

Under the watchful gaze of her mother, Diana donned a pair of sunglasses (to shield her eyes from the dentist’s spotlight) and had one of her molars sealed, protecting it for years from cavities.

A non-toxic white coating, sealants protect children’s back teeth from cavities. The back teeth, called molars, often have deep grooves that the bristles of a toothbrush can’t reach and sealants are recognized as a safe, preventative treatment that inhibits the growth of bacteria – leading to cavities.

According to the WDSA, dental cavities in children ages 2-5 are on the rise for the first time in 50 years. That’s because less than half those children have seen a dentist in the past year.

“Dentists right here on the Eastside see the problem of tooth decay and oral health every day,” she said. “We’re donating our services to the children of Kirkland in order to serve this critical need and increase public awareness about good oral health.”

To locate her patients Friday, McKinney contacted Lakeview, Rose Hill and Mark Twain elementary schools and asked for help in tracking down children who could use the dental care.

Lakeview principal Linda Hughes said the schools passed the word around about the program to school teachers and counselors who might be aware of those in need of dental care.

Later this week, Give Kids a Smile Day returns to Kirkland at Lake Washington Technical College. They will also offer free dental care for children from low-income families on Saturday, Feb. 28 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The program is limited to the first 100 children, ages 6-13, on a first-come basis at costs $5 per child. No one will be turned away due to inability to pay. Children whose teeth are unable to be sealed due to decay can have their cavities filled at a later date for no additional fee. Scheduled sign up will be held at 8:30am and 11am, but will be taken any time during the day.The LWTC dental clinic is located on the college’s Kirkland campus at 11605 132nd Ave. NE. For directions or more information, visit www.lwtc.edu or call 425-739-8130.