It’s not every day someone calls dentistry a gift from God.
But that’s how Michael Ardoin describes the free dental treatment his 4-year-old daughter, Tiffany, got through Delta Dental’s annual Smile-a-bration.
The Aurora dad said that as a toddler, Tiffany didn’t put her sippy cup all the way into her mouth, but just inside her lips. The result, he said, was that sugar from juices bathed her front teeth – and rotted them.
Ultimately, four of her teeth were pulled and she got eight crowns, in a procedure for which Ardoin said he could never have paid.
“I’m not a wealthy man, and my job doesn’t provide insurance,” said Ardoin, who works for a print shop.
Tiffany was among more than 1,000 children who got free dental care last year during the annual Smile-a-bration, offered by dental insurance provider Delta Dental, Perfect Teeth dental clinics and Kaiser Permanente.
This year, organizers predict about 1,600 uninsured kids will get free dental care Saturday, April 29.
Delta Dental reimburses 130 dentists for their services.
Fifteen Perfect Teeth clinics will donate about $50,000 worth of care, and Kaiser Permanente is donating its call center to take appointments.
Appointments for this year can be made through today by calling 1-866-588-4720.
There is often more demand for appointments than there are slots available, said spokeswoman Peggy MacKinnon.
About 2 million people in Colorado lack dental insurance.
Children living in poverty suffer twice as much tooth decay as children whose parents are more affluent, according to a 2000 report by the U.S. surgeon general. That same report found that untreated tooth decay affects children’s speech, eating patterns and schoolwork.
Staff writer Karen Augé can be reached at 303-820-1733 or kauge@denverpost.com.
