CARBONDALE, Ill. — Many families in Southern Illinois find it difficult to keep up with their children’s dental care — even when they have insurance.
That challenge inspired Dr. Travis Cripps and his team at Little Egypt Pediatric Dentistry in Carbondale to launch Free Kids Dental Day, an annual event now in its third year. The initiative provides free dental exams and X-rays for children 12 and under.
“It really comes down to our core values,” said Cripps. “One of the biggest is community.”
This year’s event will be held on Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon. Services will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis, with a cap on the number of children the team can see.
Cripps said the idea came from a common problem he sees in the region. Even with Medicaid, many families cannot find a pediatric dentist who will accept their coverage.
“We can’t treat every child,” he said, “but one day a year, we try to help as many as possible.”
In the first year, the clinic provided cleanings and more complex treatments. But as the number of participants grew, the focus shifted to exams and X-rays.
“We had to make changes,” Cripps explained. “Now we prioritize screenings and diagnostics, and treat urgent cases on the spot. That way, we can see nearly double the number of kids.”
For some children, this event is the only time they see a dentist all year. Cripps acknowledged that while the team can identify many problems, they cannot always provide follow-up care.
“It’s a tricky situation,” he said.
To help bridge the gap, the clinic created a scholarship fund to cover treatment for children in severe need, including those in foster care and kids with special health concerns. Still, Cripps noted, “We can’t help everyone.”
The barriers families face aren’t from a lack of effort. Cripps pointed to broader challenges within the system.
“We need more pediatric providers,” he said. “And we need Medicaid reform in Illinois. Every pediatric dentist I know wants to help, but the system makes it hard.”
The high demand for services is clear. Each year, more families attend, and the clinic sees a troubling trend: cavities.
“Dental caries are the most common chronic disease in the U.S.,” Cripps said. “In areas like ours, where dental access is limited, the cavity rate is extremely high.”
Sugary drinks, frequent snacking, and poor brushing habits are major factors. Genetics can also play a role, which is why Cripps encourages early dental visits.
He recommends that children see a dentist by their first birthday or as soon as their first tooth appears.
“Most people don’t realize that,” he said. “Even breastfeeding issues can signal the need for a dental visit to check for lip or tongue ties.”
Despite the serious purpose of Free Kids Dental Day, the clinic ensures the event is fun. Activities include a bounce house, popsicles, sidewalk chalk, and other kid-friendly options.
And while no one on staff receives pay for the day, every team member volunteers their time.
“It was their idea,” Cripps said. “They look forward to it every year.”
More than dental care, Cripps hopes families leave the event feeling supported.
“I want parents to understand that this isn’t about money,” he said. “We’re trying to be part of the solution.”