Giving kids a smile

Giving back to the community is something worth smiling about. The Carris Health Dental Clinic, formerly the Rice Regional Dental Clinic, held its annual Give Kids a Smile charity event in partnership with the American Dental Association Foundation Friday at Rice Memorial Hospital in Willmar. The event, which served around 60 children this year, provides free dental care to local children in need.

1/5: Dental hygienist Kelly Kennedy-Hjelle, left, cleans Luis Abaunza’s teeth, 8, while clinical assistant Evelyn Kajewski helps Friday during the annual Give Kids a Smile charity event in partnership with the American Dental Association Foundation at the Carris Health Dental Clinic in Rice Memorial Hospital in Willmar. Erica Dischino / West Central Tribune

2/5: Marvin Rogelio Pablo Mejia, 9, gets his teeth cleaned Friday during the annual Give Kids a Smile charity event in partnership with the American Dental Association Foundation at the Carris Health Dental Clinic in Rice Memorial Hospital in Willmar. Erica Dischino / West Central Tribune

3/5: Dental hygienist Bobbi Walsh, left, cleans 9-year-old Marvin Rogelio Pablo Mejia’s teeth Friday during the annual Give Kids a Smile charity event in partnership with the American Dental Association Foundation at the Carris Health Dental Clinic in Rice Memorial Hospital in Willmar. Erica Dischino / West Central Tribune

4/5: Jessica Mata, left, holds her daughter, Romina Alba, 4, in her lap to calm her down while dental hygienist Laura Sjolander cleans Alba’s teeth Friday during the annual Give Kids a Smile charity event in partnership with the American Dental Association Foundation at the Carris Health Dental Clinic in Rice Memorial Hospital in Willmar. Erica Dischino / West Central Tribune

5/5: Dental hygienist Kayla Wright, left, cleans 6-year-old Jonner Sagastume’s teeth Friday during the annual Give Kids a Smile charity event in partnership with the American Dental Association Foundation at the Carris Health Dental Clinic in Rice Memorial Hospital in Willmar. Erica Dischino / West Central Tribune