Algonquin dentist helps kids with free cleanings, screenings

The first real question came just a couple minutes after Dr. Timothy Stirneman, of All Smiles Dental in Algonquin, walked into his waiting room to meet some of the children who would be getting free cleanings.

“Are you going to use a chain saw to fix our teeth?” asked a tiny girl dressed in pink.

The good doctor laughed and promised he wouldn't.

And with that, at least 20 kids, many younger than 10 years old, from the Boys and Girls Club of Dundee Township, took turns getting their teeth cleaned by volunteer hygienists. Stirneman then inspected their teeth and sent recommendations home with them.

It was part two of a program Stirneman started in December.

“I looked around the Internet and couldn't find any free programs for kids that normally wouldn't be going to the dentist,” he said. “I always think big, and my goal is to impact as many people as possible in a positive way.”

In December, he started the first Toys 4 Teeth initiative and donated more than 120 toys brought to his office by his patients, for the Boys and Girls Club of Dundee Township. At that time, he promised to serve as many kids as he could, and Thursday was the payoff.

“I just love the kids,” said the father two. “You never know what they might say.”

Stirneman closed his office for the afternoon, and five hygienists did the cleanings while he did the screenings.