SHARING SMILES—Isabella Villaruel, 8, has her teeth checked by Dr. G. Terry Johnson and Dental Assistant Amanda Adkins as part of "Give Kids a Smile Day." Below left, the staff—(from left) Kayla Darnell, Julie Groce, Adkins, secretary Martha Walker and Dr. Johnson—pause outside the clinic.

Johnson volunteers to "Give Kids a Smile"

Eight local elementary school students participated April 22 in the seventh annual Give Kids a Smile Day, in which they had several procedures performed by Dr. G. Terry Johnson and his staff.

Over the course of the morning, the participating students from Glade Creek School had procedures including examinations, teeth extraction, the placing of sealants and fluoride treatments. A release from the dentist's office stated, "The need for sealants was not as great as in past years because of increased sealant services by Becky Million, public health hygienist, and other hygienists in area public health."

The American Dental Association and the North Carolina Dental Society sponsored the event that is typically held in February. The local event had been rescheduled due to inclement weather.

Meanwhile, materials and time offered by participating volunteers are done so without cost or fees.

Thus far this year, half of the counties in the state have taken part in the Give Kids a Smile effort. A total of 20,116 children have been seen by more than 2,000 volunteers who have provided services valued at $2,006,472.

Since 2003, when the Give Kids a Smile program began in the state, nearly 106,000 (105,716) children have been seen by 12,903 volunteers who have provided services valued at $8,706,472.