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Kids Get Teeth Cleaned Through 'Give Kids A Smile' Event

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Thousands of kids in the Twin Cities are about to get some free dental work.

There are still appointments available for the "Give Kids a Smile" event, happening this weekend. These are families going through tough times that can't afford to send their kids to the dentist.

"Gives Kids A Smile" is going to help this Friday and Saturday. It will take an army of 2,000 volunteers over one weekend to make a difference.

Adeline Cornell, 4, knows what it takes to keep her teeth clean.

"There's a new rule that my mom set. After dinner you have to brush your teeth. And before bed," she said.

She also knows she needs some help from the dentist to say in the no cavity club at Family Dental Clinic in south Minneapolis. But when Adeline's Dad lost his job and the family's dental insurance, they had to cancel her upcoming appointment.

"I let them know when we have insurance again we'll bring them in for a cleaning," Scott Cornell said.

The clinic let the Cornell's know about "Gives Kids a Smile," through the Minnesota Dental Association. Kids can get cleanings, fluoride treatments and fillings at no cost.

"Relief, and we were grateful, happy," Scott said. "We know that the kids do enjoy coming and having their teeth cleaned because they know it's not a frightful process for them."

"There are just so many under-served kids in the Twin Cities and throughout Minnesota," said Dr. Andrea Newton, who has volunteered her services for the event for all 11 years. "Making sure that we can get kids in and get their parents in too and let them know what can make it easier and better for them is really important."

It's helping give kids a smile, one family at a time. The only way this could happen is because 560 dentists volunteer their clinics and time along with hygienists and others.

Here's a schedule and a list of clinics offering free services for the "Give Kids a Smile" event.

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