What's Happening in Blue Ash, OH…

For the third year in a row, TeamSmile, a Kansas-based organization, recently provided a day of free dental care for Cincinnati families in need.

The nonprofit works with local dentists and sports professionals to provide free dental care to grade school children whose families are facing economic hardship.

TeamSmile's program director, Jennifer Platts, said children can have their teeth cleaned, a fluoride treatment, x-rays, fillings, and even extractions if they need them. Butch Stenger, who is Henry Schein Dental's regional manager, said having the dental procedures done in the sports stadium made the experience fun, not frightening.

The children came with their friends, got to meet the Bengals' mascot Who Dey, and were much more relaxed than they would have been in a regular dentist's office. This enabled the volunteer dentists to get more work done than they might have otherwise been able to provide.

For the first time this year, the American Red Cross joined the event, bringing their Pillowcase Project. Kids who were waiting to see the dentist were able to color their own pillowcase, and learn about disaster preparedness at the same time.

TeamSmile's mission is to create connections among athletes and their professional organizations, dental professionals, and groups dedicated to helping children, so underserved children can receive the help they need.

Event organizers might work with a postcard printing company to create a card to mail to residents, highlighting the services provided and reminding them to look for next year's event.