San Juan College Hosts 23rd Annual Free Kids Dental Clinic Feb. 6

San Juan College will bring free dental care to local children on Feb. 6 as part of the national Give Kids a Smile Day, with services available from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The San Juan College Dental Hygiene program and the Northwest District Dental Society are partnering to offer preventive care, exams and specialty referrals at no cost to families.

Dental hygiene students, local dentists and clinic staff will provide oral hygiene education, X-rays, cleanings and fluoride treatments. Volunteer dentists will perform oral exams and basic treatment, while local orthodontists, endodontists and oral surgeons have agreed to accept pro bono referrals for cases needing specialty care. That combination of student training and licensed clinician oversight aims to expand access to comprehensive care that many families otherwise defer.

This marks the 23rd year San Juan College has hosted the event, underscoring a long-standing community collaboration between the college, local dental professionals and regional dental organizations. The clinic’s annual continuity helps local families plan for preventive care and allows the college’s Dental Hygiene students to gain hands-on experience in a high-volume community setting.

Appointments are required; no walk-ins will be accepted. Families should call the clinic at 505-566-3126 to schedule. Organizers have emphasized scheduling in advance to manage X-ray needs, treatment planning and potential specialty referrals to community providers offering pro bono services.

For San Juan County residents, the clinic reduces financial and logistical barriers to pediatric dental care. Early preventive treatment such as cleanings, fluoride and timely exams can lower the risk of more serious problems that lead to pain, school absences and emergency room visits. The availability of pro bono specialty referrals also means children needing braces, root canals or surgical care are less likely to face long delays while families seek affordable options.

The Feb. 6 clinic reflects a broader community network of volunteer dentists and specialists who donate time and resources, and it highlights the role of San Juan College as a local hub for health education and service. Parents and guardians planning to participate should call 505-566-3126 to make an appointment and confirm any documentation or age requirements.

By making a full day of free preventive and referral services available, San Juan College’s clinic offers immediate relief for families facing dental-care costs and a preventive boost that can improve children’s health and school attendance in the months ahead.