CALDWELL, Idaho — Children without dental insurance will have the opportunity to receive free dental care at a Give Kids a Smile event in Caldwell next month.
Terry Reilly Health Services will offer basic dental services to children 17 and younger who do not have Medicaid or private insurance. The event is set for Saturday, March 7, from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the clinic, located at 808 Cleveland Blvd.
Eligible families from Ada, Canyon, and Owyhee counties can receive screenings, cleanings, sealants, and treatment at no cost. The clinic will not accept walk-ins, so families are encouraged to plan ahead.
Dental health challenges are common among Idaho children. According to the Idaho Oral Health Alliance, 66% of Idaho third graders have experienced cavities. Nationwide, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that cavities are the most prevalent chronic disease among children. Untreated cavities can cause pain, infection, and problems with eating, speaking, and learning. Poor oral health is also linked to increased school absences and lower academic performance.
Organizers emphasize that expanding access to affordable dental services is essential for improving children’s long-term health outcomes.