Emilio Martinez, 17, learned to care for his teeth by participating in the Dentists With a Heart program. About 50 Santa Clara County dentists volunteer their time and skills to provide free exams and surgeries to children who otherwise wouldn't have regular access to dental care.

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Building better smiles
DENTAL PROGRAM PROVIDES FREE CARE FOR NEEDY CHILDREN IN SILICON VALLEY

if you have a conversation with Emilio Martinez, you'll notice how naturally he smiles as he talks.

That wasn't always the case. But Emilio, who turned 17 this month, has a bright new smile thanks to the annual Dentists With a Heart program, through which about 50 Santa Clara County dentists provide a day of free exams and surgeries to 500 low-income children.

According to the Health Trust, which co-founded the program, one-third of children in Santa Clara County have untreated tooth decay and severe oral health problems, and 10 percent of children entering kindergarten have pain or infection in their mouths.

Valerie Stinnett, associate director of the Health Trust, says they look for uninsured children who haven't been to a dentist in more than a year.

``We target children who usually have no ability to access care,'' Valerie says.

So once a year, Emilio's entire special-education class at Overfelt High School goes on a field trip to get dental care. Jeff Rehrig, who teaches Emilio's class, says the kids' disabilities include Down's syndrome and mental retardation. He says dental work often is skipped in families where just getting by is priority one.

Emilio says the dentist took X-rays and showed them ``how to clean your teeth and take care of your teeth.'' Now he brushes and flosses every day.

Last year, Emilio had two cavities. This year, he had one. Next year, he hopes for a clean exam.

The Health Trust and the Santa Clara County Dental Society would like to expand the Dentists With a Heart program to serve more children. A donation of $100 (10A) will provide X-rays and other materials needed to serve one child. A $250 donation (10B) will provide a child with basic dental service for one year. And a gift of $750 (10C) will provide sedation surgery for one child.