Des Plaines dentists offer free cleanings Saturday for low-income kids

An estimated 26 children from lower-income families in the Des Plaines community will get free exams and cleanings for “Give Kids a Smile Day” on Saturday, Feb. 5.

Children participate in the program with assistance from the Des Plaines Self-Help Closet and Food Pantry, Des Plaines Elementary School District 62, CEDA Northwest, Maine Township and local politicians. Two local dentists, one hygienist and three more staff members are volunteering their services for the day. Last year, more than 46,000 dental team members nationwide participated in the American Dental Association program.

The program is from 8:30 a.m.–4 p.m. at the dental offices of Drs. Harold O. Wyckoff Jr. and James B. Mc Cool, 1355 E. Golf Road, Des Plaines. This is the fourth year the doctors have participated.

Nearly one in four children, aged 2 to 11 years old, have untreated cavities in their baby teeth, according to the Center for Disease Control. The program is intended to raise awareness of the need to build local public and private partnerships to increase access to oral health care.