Dentist brightens smiles at Conway Elementary

On Friday, Feb. 6, Dr. Eric Hirschfeld provided free dental care to underserved children at Conway Elementary School. Based on the principle that good oral health is integral to overall health, Hirschfeld and his staff teamed up with dentists throughout the country, American Dental Association and New Hampshire Dental Society, to improve the oral health of underserved children. The services included oral exams, cleanings, x-rays and fluoride for children from the Conway area. Conway Elementary School's nurse, Karie Bartnick and principal, Brian Hastings, identified many children for this event. Bartnick organized the children in groups and provided transportation to and from Hirschfelds office and school. The event, known as "Give Kids a Smile Day," is an opportunity to affect real change in the state of oral health by calling attention to the dental disease epidemic and the need to educate families and improve access to dental care. Crest Healthy Smiles 2010 donated Crest toothbrushes, toothpaste and oral health educational materials to distribute to all participating children.