On Feb. 5, Dr. Dugald McMillan of the Dental Center of Inverness is looking for 10-15 children from local low-income families to receive free dental services ranging from screenings and cleanings to fillings and crowns as part of national Give Kids A Smile day.

Last year, more than 44,650 dental team members nationwide participated in Give Kids A Smile, a program first held in 2003 by the American Dental Association to provide care and raise awareness of the importance of access to dental care for underserved children.

The National Institutes of Health report that 80 percent of tooth decay is found in 25 percent of children, primarily from low-income families.

“It’s heartbreaking to see a child’s smile destroyed by severe tooth decay,” McMillan said. “Imagine not being able to eat, sleep and pay attention in school because you have a mouthful of toothaches. Some children have reached the point where the only alternative is a mouth full of crowns or pulling the teeth that can’t be saved. It’s tragic.”

Parents or guardians of the children are encouraged to call Dr. McMillan’s office to schedule an appointment.

The office will also be open to walk in patients from 8-3 on a first come first serve basis. Please contact Erica Ludwig for more information at 995-3989 or at DentalCenterDMD@gmail.com, or visit the Web site at Dentalcenterofinverness.com.