Four years ago, the "Give Kids a Smile" program, which offers free and discounted dentistry treatment to needy children, was held locally in some space set aside at the Stepping Stones Museum for Children.

Since then, the program has grown—largely through the development of screenings at schools—and received so much support that it now takes place in a new, state-of-the-art facility at 49 Day St.

On Feb. 5, several local dentists led by Dr. William Fessler of the Day Street Community Health Center, formerly Norwalk Smiles, will participate in the  annual program.

“We want to raise awareness, so that people know they can get quality dental care if they go through the right channels,” Fessler said. “We’ve seen everything from kids who just need a cleaning, to some with 10 or 12 cavities—the total gamut.”

From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., the center will offer free cleanings, exams, sealants, fillings, fluoride treatments and dental education to children with HUSKY insurance, or no dental insurance.

Fessler has been involved with the project since it’s inception. “It’s been a long-term outreach program between the American Dental Association, and the Connecticut Dental Association. February is ‘Dental Health Awareness Month,’ and we started screening kids through the Norwalk elementary school system,” he said.

So far, other participating dentists will include Dr. Matthew Karl Olson of Norwalk, Dr. S. Cleveland Perry, and Dr. Anna Karidas of Stamford, and Dr. Sandra L. Bogdon of Westport. Services will also be offered at private dental offices in all three communities. Last year, between eight and ten dentists volunteered their time.

The program is by appointment only. To schedule an appointment, contact Sarienid Guzman, dental care coordinator, at 854-9292 ext. 7204, or guzmans@chc1.com. You can also contact Llara Perez at 969-0802 ext. 2216, or perezl@chc1.com for more information.

Dealing with frightened patients continues to be challenging. “It’s a dilema we face all the time,” Fessler said. “We can do quality dental care without pain or anxiety. Sometimes you just have to take baby steps, and assure them they can get the work done. Adults are usually worse than the kids.”