Give Kids a Smile a success

Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Dr. John Hennette and the staff of Greencastle Pediatric Dentistry treated 18 school kids in their office during the annual Give Kids a Smile program sponsored by the American Dental Association. Participating in the program were (front, from left) Rylee Brownewell, Madeline Birge, Rainey Birge, Jayla Weekly, (second) Amber Bell, Leslie Lamkin, Lynn Nelson, Polly Shuee, Jennifer McCallie, (back) Dr. Hennette, Amanda Davis, Kim McMains, Grace Buis, Carrie Hubbard and Cindy Hennette.

Dr. John Hennette of Greencastle Pediatric Dentistry and his staff used Friday the 13th as a very lucky day for several children in the Putnam County area. Through the hard work of the local school nurses, 18 school-aged children were examined and treated in the office for any necessary dental care. These services were provided free of charge through the Give Kids a Smile program, sponsored by the American Dental Association.

Hennette and his staff have been participating in this program for the last six years. Over that period of time, approximately 100 children have received comprehensive dental care. That might entail as little as cleanings and fluorides to full mouth restorations.

"Every child is followed to be sure that all the disease processes are eliminated or under control", said Hennette.

Hennette wished to thank several individuals who contributed to the effort.

"It is a program that I have really enjoyed participating in, but it is only successful if others believe in it as strongly. My staff volunteered their time for the day to providing the best quality of care and comfort. They are absolutely wonderful," he said.

"Polly Shuee from the Greencastle School system even goes so far as to bus the children to our office on her own. Pizza Hut opened their kitchen early to provide lunch for those children missing theirs. Our Henry Schein dental representative provided some of the supplies that were used. The children treated were the beneficiaries of this joint effort and they all should be very proud of their contributions," he continued.

Hennette also had nothing but wonderful things to say about the children who were seen.

"For a group of youngsters, some who had never been to the dentist, they were the most wonderfully behaved group. I know what we do does not always elicit fond memories in the public's mind, but these children were wonderful and their parents should be very proud," Hennette said.

Last year in Indiana, more than 1,183 dentists and dental teams provided over $540,000 in dental treatment to over 2,240 children.

This year, GKAS is once again expecting to reach $500,000 in treatment to over 2,500 children.

For more information about Give Kids a Smile 2009, contact your child's school nurse.

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