Fresh off the success of its “Project Christmas Smile,” free dental care event on Dec. 6, the Treasure Coast Dental Society is already planning another free clinic staffed by local dentists in February.
Spearheaded by Dr. Heidi Turk of the Indian River County Health Department, “Project Christmas Smile” treated well over 100 patients, dispensing tens of thousands of dollars’ worth of care.
Participating dentists included Dr. Turk, Dr. Mindy Hall, Dr. Conrad J. Kusel, Dr. Luis Roque, Dr. Robert W. Price, Dr. Hagen Hastings, Dr. Nick Rendon, Dr. Denise Pieczynski, Dr. Rick Root, Dr. Suzanne Conway, Dr. E. Mickey Conway and Dr. Jenna Katz Schwibner. Those dentists and staff members who participated were motivated, in part, by the thought that no one, especially a child, should have to wake up Christmas morning with a toothache.
Dr. Mindy Hall congratulated her colleagues saying, “In the spirit of the holiday season it was great to see our dental community offering services to those in need. I’m proud of all the local dentists who stepped up this year and helped out.” Dr. Turk agreed by adding, “I look forward to Project Christmas Smile every year. I thoroughly enjoy working together with other dentists to help those in need. The patients are always so thankful and gracious, which keeps us coming back year after year and is always an uplifting experience.”
Dr. Luis Roque took a more personal view saying, “My parents sacrificed everything to send me through school and now I have a talent to share with the less fortunate.”
Collectively those 100-plus December patients received free exams, x-rays and treatment valued at almost $45,000.
Drs. Turk, Hall and the rest of the Treasure Coast Dental Society are setting their sights even higher for February’s “Give Kids A Smile” event. Scheduled for the first week in February, which is National Children’s Dental Health month, this will be the third such free February clinic in Vero Beach in as many years.
In what amounts to a three-day dental care event, Drs. Hall and Turk will start with a “Screen & Clean” at Dr. Hall’s Seaside Smiles pediatric dental care office at 3725 12th Ct. on Thursday, February 5. On Friday, February 6, other Vero members of the Treasure Coast Dental Society will join the effort, offering free dental treatments for those in need.
Dr. Hall publicizes the clinics through area elementary schools, distributing informational flyers that children take home to their parents.