GEORGETOWN — La Red Health Center’s dental team provided dental care services to 34 children earlier this month during its annual Give Kids a Smile event.

Give Kids a Smile is a program that was started by the American Dental Association in 2003 with the goal of providing free oral health exams, cleanings, sealants and restorations to underserved children.

La Red’s program focuses on providing care to Sussex County children who lack insurance.

The annual event is held each first Friday in February at the start of National Children’s Dental Health Month. The event is popular and generally has a waiting list because the need for dental care in Sussex County is so great.

Dr. Christine Stinton, Chief Dental Officer at La Red, said that the Give Kids a Smile event aligns with La Red Health Center’s mission as a safety net provider to make health care more accessible to everyone.

“Good oral health is much more than just a pretty smile,” Dr. Stinton said. “It’s vital to a child’s overall well-being.”

La Red Health Center was one of two dental practices in the state that participated in the event this year. La Red closed its dental practice down for the day to devote three of its dentists and three of its dental hygienists to care for children in need.

La Red Health Center CEO Rachel Hersh expressed gratitude to the partners who donated the supplies that made this event possible: Benco Dental, SDI, and the ADA. She also highlighted the need to support safety net providers who offer dental care to individuals who would otherwise go without care.