ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. -- Ellsworth's Dental Clinic will provide free dental services during "Give Kids a Smile Day" for local Air Force children from 2:30 to 5 p.m., Feb. 24.

An estimated 20 dentists, hygienists, assistants and volunteers will service children for dental screenings, fluoride, toothbrushes and toothpaste, and provide dental education.

Any child, regardless of age, with a parent serving in the Air Force is eligible for the services, and all appointments are walk-ins during the allotted timeframe.

Military members have access to dental resources through TRICARE; however, it is often underutilized, and the clinic aims to raise awareness of available services through the event.

The American Dental Association (ADA) launched the Give Kids a Smile program nationally in 2003 as a way for dentists to join with others in the community to provide dental services to underserved children. Each year 350,000 to 400,000 children benefit from more than 1,500 events, all because of the efforts of 40,000 or more volunteers nationwide.

For more information on the event, call (605) 385-3657 or visit givekidsasmile.ada.org.