SANFORD - The annual Give Kids A Smile program is returning to the Central Carolina Dental Center, 900 S. Vance St. Free dental and health services will be available for uninsured children ages 1-13 years old from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 28. This year's event will serve children from Lee, Harnett, and Chatham counties.

Central Carolina Community College students from the college's Dental Hygiene, Dental Assisting, Medical Assisting, and Nursing programs will be assisting in the event.

"CCCC organizes and participates in this annual event in order to provide dental care to children within our service area with limited access to dental services," says Lisa Baker, CCCC Dean of Health Sciences. "The care that our students and local dental professionals provide during the Give Kids A Smile event has proven to educate parents and children about the importance of preventive care and good oral health."

Others involved in the effort include Dr. Ray Tseng of Southern Smiles Pediatric Dentistry in Cameron, who serves as Chair of the Children's Dental Health Programs with the N.C. Dental Society; Dr. Jess Arbon of Arbon Orthodontics in Wake County; as well as representatives from the Methodist University Physician Assistant program and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Nursing program. The Sanford Fire Department and Sanford Police Department also will participate in the event.

The event includes dental checkups, cleanings, sealants, fluoride treatments, medical screenings, nutrition and oral hygiene, educational programs, games, prizes, and lunch. Children with N.C. Medicaid or N.C. Health Choice are not eligible for this event.

For children with cavities or treatment needs, local dentists and pediatric dentists from Lee, Harnett, Chatham, and Hoke counties will be available to help arrange times to complete dental treatment at low or no cost. Children must participate in this Give Kids A Smile event to be eligible.

"This event is critically important because it gives our most susceptible children, those without routine dental care, access to dental services all the while providing an important educational opportunity for our students," says Baker.

Registration is required, as space is limited. To register, call 910-479-4509 and leave a callback number, or register online at www.NCSMILES.org.

To learn more about the Central Carolina Community College Dental Hygiene, Dental Assisting, Medical Assisting, and Nursing programs, visit the college website at www.cccc.edu.