Butler Dentists Will 'Give Kids a Smile' for a Day

For a dentist, a smile is not only something to improve, but also a symbol of a job well done when a patient is pleased.

Two Butler dentists are hoping to inspire a few extra smiles on Feb. 1 when they participate in the American Dental Association's Give Kids a Smile Day.

"Not everyone has the luxury of insurance, so we donate our time and our services and it's exciting and it's very rewarding," Pediatric Dentist Dr. Jason Rosenfeld, a five-year participant in the event, said.

Rosenfeld and Dr. Abraham Kadish have separate dental practices in the same building at 1395 Route 23 South. Both dentists are participating in the program which affords service to underprivileged children who cannot afford health insurance or dental care. According to the ADA website, about 450,000 children benefit from the Give Kids a Smile events in which more than 40,000 people donate their time.

Kadish and Rosenfeld have reached out to local school districts' nurses with information about the services they will be providing on Feb. 1 so that they can contact parents who may be interested. Kadish said he will be completing dental exams and preventative treatment mostly.

"If there is a need, we are here to fulfill that," he said.

Kadish has been participating in the program for the past two years.

"It gives us an opportunity to give back to the community and to help children who otherwise would not get care," Kadish said.

While Give Kids a Smile is typically a one-day event, it is a part of the larger Child's Health Month. From the dental perspective, preventing tooth decay in children is a primary concern. Even though the dentists are able to help the cause on Give Kids a Smile Day, Rosenfeld said care needs to continue.

"We need to follow up," he said. "On Give Kids a Smile Day, we introduce [kids] to not only dentistry, but a happy outcome."

Both dentists said they will be treating patients by appointment on that day and that appointments can be made immediately.