Local nonprofit knows kids grateful for dental care

A typical day for Just Kids Dental staff might introduce them to a child who, instead of choosing any toy he wants when his cleaning is done, asks for enough toothbrushes to take home to his siblings. His family can’t always afford such “luxuries.”

Or, it may have the sound of a child excitedly asking in the background, “Is it them mom? Is it them?” when they call to arrange that child’s visit with a local dentist. When they saw the boy earlier during the day at one of their school clinics, he was in a lot of pain. They promised to get him more help.

“It breaks your heart,” says Registered Dental Hygienist and founder of Just Kids Dental, Stacey Anderson. “But it motivates us to keep doing what we’re doing.”

Just Kids Dental provides dental cleanings, fluoride varnish applications, sealants, oral and nutritional education, toothbrushes, toothpaste, and floss to underserved children across the region. It also connects families with a dentist if additional care is needed.

Demand for these services is off the charts this year, reports Anderson, who takes her services directly to Northland schools.

As February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, JKD is asking the public to help them keep their pledge to help 500 more children during the 2011-2012 school year. JKD is asking the public to help it reach its fundraising goal by the end of March.

If 500 people contribute just $15, Just Kids Dental can help 500 more children by June. It’s that simple.

“Families are struggling right now,” says Anderson. “Many parents are working two or three jobs, but none of them offer dental insurance. We’re seeing more kids in pain, so we want to keep them in school and learning.”

To donate, people can go to Just Kids Dental’s website: www.justkidsdentalinc.org or send in a contribution to: P.O. Box 146, Two Harbors, MN 55616.

Tags: news, health, family, money