Faxton Saint Luke’s Healthcare Hosts “Give Kids A Smile” This Weekend

Utica, NY (WIBX) - This Saturday, Faxton Saint Luke's Healthcare is offering local kids the chance for a brighter smile.

"Give Kids A Smile" is a one-day event that gives children between the ages of 4 and 10 an opportunity to receive preventative dental treatment free of charge.

Procedures include examinations, teeth cleanings, sealants and flouride varnish.

More than 80 volunteers will be working the event at six locations throughout Oneida, Madison and Herkimer County.

Lisa Shaw is a member of the "Give Kids A Smile" steering committee. She says good dental health does more than just keep teeth pearly white.

"Good dental hygiene is going to mean that they're going to be able to perform at an optimum level," Shaw said. "You know, they'll be good in school, they won't have pain, they'll be able to concentrate. All of those things are important."

Currently, the "Give Kids A Smile" program is only done once per year, and is operating from $30,000 in funding, provided by the Children's Miracle Network, the United Way and the New York State Dental Association.

By continuing to apply for grants, Shaw says she hopes the program will expand and more dentists will get involved.

For a list of current dentists participating, see the list below:

Faxton St. Luke's Healthcare's Dental Health Center
1714 Burrstone Road, New Hartford, NY 13413

Charles Burns, DDS
2534 Genesee Street, Utica, NY 13502

Pablo R. Elizondo, DMD
311 W. Thomas Street, Rome, NY 13440

Virinder Modgil, DDS
Camden Dental PC
68 Main Street, Camden, NY 13316

Stephen Dudek, DDS
Dental Associates of West Winfield
103 Burrows Road, West Winfield, NY 13491

Mark Slavin, DDS
121 W. Main Street, Waterville, New York 13480