Dental clinic plans services for kids in need Published Jan. 17, 2012 By 81st Medical Group 81st Dental Squadron KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- The 81st Dental Squadron dental clinic hosts "Give Kids A Smile" Day, 8-11 a.m. Feb. 22 The program provides children ages 3-12 years from active-duty and retired military families free dental services ranging from screenings to fillings and sealants as part of the national event. Pediatric dentist Maj. (Dr.) Stephen Gasparovich said appointments on the morning of the event will be limited to the first 50 children. "The 'Give Kids A Smile' event is intended to provide free, desperately-needed dental services as part of the American Dental Association's Give Kids a Smile program," Gasparovich said. "Last year, more than 46,000 team members nationwide participated." "According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly one in four children ages 2 to 11 years have untreated cavities in their baby teeth," he said. "The National Institutes of Health reports that 80 percent of tooth decay is found in just 25 percent of children, primarily from low-income families." "This event will raise awareness of the epidemic of untreated dental disease occurring here and across the country and raise awareness of the need to build local and public partnerships to increase access to oral healthcare to solve this crisis," he added. To schedule a child for the event, sponsors should call the dental clinic front desk, 376-0511, and mention this article.