Thanks to Vickey Hodnik, D.D.S., children of Homer were able to take advantage of that opportunity. Her services and those of her staff were donated to the dental care of children whose families may not otherwise have had the funds.
While the event was backed mostly by the volunteer efforts of offices such as Hodnik's, private companies such as Crest also donated supplies and materials.
There are a number of ways that families can be recommended for the program. Hodnik's office booked patients for Friday's event through sources such as school nurses and church groups, as well as through previous patients. Families with many children are often considered for this benefit, too.
"There's a whole realm of different areas that we can go to," said Leslie Lord, Hodnik's office manager.
Nationwide, however, there are many other venues. Girls and Boys Clubs throughout the country are involved by recommending kids in need and providing places for general education about dental care. Communities will not only have access to dental services, but also the benefits of increased awareness of oral health issues.
"I think it's a good opportunity to let our community know about dental care," Lord said. "There's a limited amount of professionals available for these types of care in our small community, but it's not out of reach."
Tens of thousands of dentists across America chose to participate in the one-day program, though for many, like Hodnik, charity work is a routine part of the business.
"We do charity every day," she said. "I'd say 10 to 14 percent of our business is charity work."
While this was the first year of the official 'Give Kids a Smile' program, Hodnik said, she has always made volunteer work a part of her practice. "We get phone calls on a regular basis for people who need dental care, yet can't afford it," she said.
Hodnik believes that federal programs, such as Medicare, and the policies that come with them, make it impossible to reach all who are in need of dental work, especially children. According to the surgeon general's report of 2000, the most common affliction of U.S. children is dental decay. Millions of American youth suffer from common and preventable oral diseases because they have gone untreated.
"The whole idea (of the program) is to show that there is access to dental care," said Hodnik, who added that while access-to-care problems aren't being addressed politically, they must be addressed by community members.
Hodnik said she hopes that her efforts and the efforts of others to provide communities with accessible and uncomplicated care will benefit dentistry as a whole.
"I want to make a statement that we are willing to take care of kids," Hodnik said.
Homer resident Hannah Heimbuch is a freshman journalism major at the University of Montana.
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