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WEST VALLEY CITY — Local dentists improved the health of children who needed it most Saturday by offering free dental work and checkups.
Dentists and staff at Pioneer Valley Dental held a free clinic as part of the Give Kids a Smile program. The program collaborates with schools and dentists to provide dental services to underserved children. Participating schools can recommend children and families, who are scanned and then sent to a local participant.
Dr. Thomas K. Broadbent and his employees spent all day Saturday giving dental services to nearly 100 children. Broadbent said this is the fourth year Pioneer Valley Dental has participated.
"We've been very blessed. I guess it's just kind of an opportunity to give back," Broadbent said.
He said the most important part of the service is making kids feel comfortable and like any other patient.
Six doctors and 30 staff at the clinic volunteered their time.
"I'm so especially proud of this crew," Broadbent said.
Harmons grocery store and SelectHealth help Pioneer Valley Dental sponsor the free clinics.
"I've been to Peru and done a similar thing and I feel like it's as gratifying here as it is in a third-world country," Broadbent said.
Doctor Taylor World with Pioneer Valley Dental looks forward to this day every year.
"It's awesome, it's just awesome. It's great to help the kids," World said.
Some kids only received cleanings, while others needed more extensive work. But they all had a burden lifted from their shoulders.
"It's tough out there, so if we can eliminate some of those obstacles, then they can concentrate more on school and help each other," World said.
