MACOMB COUNTY, Mich. – Macomb County Community College brought big smiles to kids and their parents by offering free dental care as part of Give Kids a Smile Day.
This event was made possible by a $4,000 grant from the 2026 Michigan Dental Association’s Public Relations Grant Program.
The clinic provided everything from dental exams and cleanings to x-rays, all at no cost. This initiative is making a significant difference for families who struggle to afford dental care.
“It’s rough on us parents,” said Amanda Reinhardt, a mom from Chesterfield. “We’re trying to make ends meet, but we also have to make sure we get to these doctor’s appointments and stuff for our kids.”
Jessica Trelfa, a mom from Roseville, shared, “My insurance didn’t cover sealants, and he needed some, so it really helped a single mom out.”
Give Kids a Smile Day is also helping children feel more comfortable and confident about visiting the dentist, showing them it’s a friendly place, not a scary one.
“I loved it here, actually,” said Dallas Reinhardt, who received free services. “Sometimes when I go to the dentist, it’s like I don’t want to, but here I don’t mind really.”
In addition to dental care, the event featured fun activities like face painting and balloon animals. Kids also learned about proper dental hygiene.
“It’s one of these opportunities that we tell our students right from the get go that you’re not just training for a career but you’re going to be able to take these skills and make really deep changes in people’s lives and this is only the beginning of that,” Kelsey Shapiro, director of Dental Clinical Operations, Workforce Development, and Continuing Education, said.
The event was a collaborative effort to make it all happen.
Dr. Chris Gorecki, executive director of the Macomb Dental Society, explained, “We have all three levels of the local component, the state, and the national contributing to this event.”
Wendi Sparks, associate dean and program director for Dental Sciences, added, “We can’t believe the amount of children that were able to serve today.”
The college hosted Give Kids a Smile Day for the first time last year, providing 61 free dental services to 10 children.