Local dentist works with Dental for Kids

Children of low-income families in the Blue Springs School District now have access to free dental care thanks in part to Raytown dentist Dr. Douglas Harshberger.

In July of 2003, Dr. Harshberger, DDS, along with John LaBaraca, DDS, of Independence, and Jerry Ogilvie, DDS, of Blue Springs helped to pilot Dental for Kids, an offshoot of the nonprofit organization, Blue Springs WellLink. Together Doctors Harshberger, LaBaraca, Ogilvie, and WellLink helped build Dental for Kids into a program that, to date, has helped over 400 children receive much needed dental care that they would have otherwise never obtained.

Now in its fourth year, Dental for Kids has twenty local dentists participating, and together they have donated more than $365,000 in dental care to area children.

According to Janet Smith, executive director of WellLink, “Most of the children entering our program have never been to the dentist, and most of them would not go if not for our program.”

In an average week, 3-6 children will be referred to the program and most of the children referred will require more than one visit. Harshberger and his dedicated staff have donated over 52 hours providing care for twenty-one children. “It is great to be able to provide the hope and the help that these children need,” said Dr. Harshberger. “[Dental for Kids] is a very good program that allows students to get involved with dentistry at an early age.”

The Dental for Kids program is about more than simply providing fillings and clean teeth; it is about giving children hope and self-confidence. One of the mothers of a patient that Dr. Harshberger has helped through Dental for Kids said,

“My daughter has been receiving dental services from Dr. Harshberger and the Dental for Kids program since 2003. There are really no words to describe the mental, physical, and spiritual growth she has shown during this time! Before we found out about this program, she was embarrassed about the way her teeth looked, had no self-esteem, and did not want to attend school any longer. Because of Dr. Harshberger’s kindness, my daughter soon had a beautiful smile and became a very confident, emotionally stable young lady who was ready to attend high school. The friendship and trust that Dr. Harshberger has given my daughter could never be replaced. It is a blessing each day to see her smile and the continued growth and self-confidence.”

Currently, the Dental for Kids program is limited to students in the Blue Springs school district who are referred by their teachers and school nurses. However, exceptions are made if a student meets the criteria and goes through the complete screening process.

“I want to help all of the children,” said Dr. Harshberger, “but it can get overwhelming.”

Still the joy from seeing the children’s eyes light up as they say “show me how to brush my teeth. Show me how to take care of my mouth,” is what drives Dr. Harshberger.

Fourth Annual Princess Party to be held Saturday

It is time, once again, to dust off those crowns and tiaras for the Fourth Annual Princess Party hosted by WellLink. Saturday, October 6 princesses from all over the metro will come together at Valley View High School in Blue Springs. Princesses ages two to twelve are invited to attend and join in the royal celebration.

The Princess Party, which began four years ago as a way to raise money for the Dental for Kids program, has been quite the fundraising success raising $15,000 last year. This year their goal is $20,000.

Admission is $10 for each Princess and $5 for each Royal Adult Companion. Included in the admission price are several fun royal activities including: cookie decorating, princess primping, princess stories, princess bingo, a wishing well, a visit with the Tooth Fairy, and a princess concert which features area high school performers including Raytown High School junior, Katie Dingman as the Fairy Godmother.

There will also be a Royal Food Court and Mall of Enchantment where the little princesses can begin their holiday shopping with many items priced from $3 to $10.

For more information about WellLink, Dental for Kids, or to reserve a place at the party for your little princess please visit www.BlueSpringsWellLink.org or call 816-941-3600.

Valley View High School is located at 5000 NW Valley View Road in Blue Springs, MO.