Central Coast Kids Receive Free Dental Care

Just in time for school a local dental practice is putting a smile back on the faces of kids who couldn’t afford it otherwise.

Before you enter first grade in California you have to have an oral health letter signed by a dentist, for some families that can become a financial burden. That is just one of several reason’s why Johnson Family Dental puts on a free dental cleaning event for children every year.

Doctor Steven Johnson hosted his seventh annual free kids dental day, Little Hearts, Big Smiles on Thursday.

From one to five Thursday afternoon, children 12 and under showed up to Johnson Family Dental in Solvang, Ventura, and Camarillo to get a free exam, digital X-rays, cleaning and fluoride.

Instead of tears or nervousness many of the children were happy to see the dentist for this event.

“They are going to brush my teeth, and make my teeth smell good,” said 4-year old Ella with a smile.

“It’s a really great idea, being a mom and having so many expenses. A free day for dental care is a great idea,” said Ella’s mom Amanda Avitia.

“Its an opportunity for us to see how they are doing as far as brushing and answer any questions they may have and talk to them about their diet if we see that they may have large cavities, and just try to help out as much as we can,” said Dr. Steven Johnson of Johnson Family Dental.

Children also were able to get a free orthodontic consultation while they were in the dental chair.

112 children received free dental care through the event on Thursday.

Dr. Johnson also offered up some easy dental tips that will help kids keep their teeth healthy.

“Make sure you are brushing twice a day. If for some reason you have a child who is just impossible to brush, at least brush them at night time. Because if we see cavities it is a known fact that you are going to get more decay because your mouth is more dry. You go to bed with sugar or milk or without brushing your teeth you will end up getting decay,” said Johnson.