The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that one in four children, aged 2 to 11, have untreated cavities in their baby teeth.
To help address this issue, Sioux Center, Iowa, celebrated National Children’s Dental Health Month by offering free dental services to local children on Thursday, February 19. The event, known as “Give Kids a Smile,” was a collaboration between Sioux Center Dental, the Sioux Center Community School District, and the local i-Smile coordinator.
The goal was to provide early dental care to prevent more serious problems later in life. Dentists at the event aimed to treat as many as 30 students facing dental issues. Dr. Trevor Kuiper of Sioux Center Dental explained that the focus was on pain relief and services that would benefit both baby teeth and permanent adult teeth. The treatments included fillings, cleanings, sealants, and extractions of abscessed teeth.
This initiative is the third clinic of its kind for Sioux Center Dental, which is committed to serving underprivileged children. Dr. Kuiper emphasized that Sioux Center Dental’s core values—faith, family, and service—guide their approach to patient care. “We want our patients to trust us,” Dr. Kuiper said. “We strive to go above and beyond in providing service that shows we care.”
The clinic’s efforts have had a significant impact. In 2025, the second annual “Give Kids a Smile” event helped 29 students, providing $23,217 worth of free dental care. Dr. Kuiper explained that the services were entirely donation-based and free for families in need.
Dr. Kuiper also stressed the importance of early preventative dental care. “Dental problems don’t get better with time,” he said. “The longer they go untreated, the more difficult and costly it becomes to fix them. By addressing issues early, we can minimize the need for more intensive treatments.”
For parents, Dr. Kuiper advised regular brushing, flossing, and limiting sugary foods to maintain healthy baby teeth, which, in turn, supports the long-term health of adult teeth.