Dental hygiene student DeDe Sinatra works on a patient Friday. York Technical College's Dental Health Professions programs in conjunction with the Tri-County Dental Association participated in "Give Kids a Smile!" Day, part of a national effort by the American Dental Association (ADA) to give a day of free dental care to thousands of children in need. The event also coincides with the South Carolina Dental Association's (SCDA) celebration of Children's Dental Health Month. The mission of the project is twofold: to provide dental healthcare and education for children who may not have access to this kind of care on a regular basis and to encourage parents to seek regular dental care for their children. According to the ADA and the American Academy of Pediatrics, more than half of all 5- to 9-year-old children have at least one cavity or filling. The event has been organized with the help of school nurses in area elementary schools as well as the Catawba Indian Nation. The clinic expects to see approximately 45 children between 8 a.m. and 12 p.m. The clinic will be staffed by York Technical College students and faculty. Students will be involved in taking x-rays, cleaning teeth, applying dental sealants, and providing oral hygiene education." The annual GKAS national children's dental access program enhances the oral health of large numbers of children in need of dental care," said Edna Martin, York Tech's Department Chair for Dental Health Professions. "This activity also fosters community awareness in our students, another aspect of York Tech's commitment to student success." ANDY BURRISS — aburriss@heraldonline.com