EASTON, Pa. — Children in the Lehigh Valley have a chance to see a dentist for free.
The “Give Kids a Smile” event will be held from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Feb. 25 at Neighborhood Health Centers of the Lehigh Valley, also known as NHCLV, 1101 Northampton St., Easton.
- A free dental clinic for ages 1-17 will be offered through the Neighborhood Health Centers of the Lehigh Valley.
- The "Give Kids a Smile" event will be from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Feb. 25.
- No insurance is required, but an appointment is recommended.
NHCLV Dental Director Mariam Gawargi, who also is a dentist, said her team will provide educational services, cleanings, sealants, fluoride treatments and other services free to ages 1 to 17.
Gawargi said there are no requirements to take part in the Easton clinic, but recommended making an appointment.
“I think it's super important at a young age to teach children the importance of oral health and education, and prevention," Gawargi said. "Prevention is super important.”
She said those who come in and need a follow-up appointment can schedule one through NHCLV, as it is taking new patients.
“I think it's super important at a young age to teach children the importance of oral health and education, and prevention. Prevention is super important."
Mariam Gawargi, Dentist at NHCLV
The dentist said those follow-up appointments can be paid for using insurance or on a sliding scale based on income.
She said the goal is to make oral care more accessible to underserved communities.
“Dental is actually one of the pricier health care items for patients, and having it in the Lehigh Valley hopefully will decrease that burden on that population,” she said.
NHCLV has four area medical clinics, but only offers dental services at the Easton location. A second dental clinic is expected to open in Allentown this spring.