Smiles shine at LTBS

A father and daughter play with a stuffed animal at the Yokota Dental Clinic, Feb. 28, 2015, during the Little Teeth-Big Smiles event. As part of National Children's Dental Health Month, the 374th Dental Squadron hosted a walk-in clinic, offering preventative services for children up to 10 years old, including dental examinations, cleanings and education services. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Delano Scott/Released)

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Smiles shine at LTBS

Capt. Erin McNamara, 374th Dental Squadron general dentist, prepares to examine the teeth of Paige Lukes, patient at the Yokota Dental Clinic, Feb. 28, 2015, during the Little Teeth-Big Smiles event. McNamara was one of many 374th DS members to participate and offer preventative oral care to children at the LTBS event. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Delano Scott/Released)

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Smiles shine at LTBS

Capt. Erin McNamara, 374th Dental Squadron general dentist, speaks with Paige Lukes, a patient at the Yokota Dental Clinic, Feb. 28, 2015, during the Little Teeth-Big Smiles event. McNamara informed Lukes that her teeth are in great condition. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Delano Scott/Released)

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Smiles shine at LTBS

A father and son speak with a dentist at the Yokota Dental Clinic, Feb. 28, 2015, during the Little Teeth-Big Smiles event. By participating in dental health month, The 374th Dental Squadron worked to ensure that both parents and children understand the importance of proper hygiene. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Delano Scott/Released)

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Smiles shine at LTBS

Published March 3, 2015
By Airman 1st Class Delano Scott
374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

3/4/2015 - YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan -- Yokota Dental professionals hosted their third annual Little Teeth and Big Smiles event, a walk-in dental clinic for children up to 10 years old, Saturday, at the dental clinic here.

As part of Children's Dental Health Month, the Yokota Dental Clinic offered preventative oral health services to children, including dental examinations, teeth cleanings, radiographs and educational material focused on dental health.

"It's important to get early preventive care and to establish good habits early on," said Tech. Sgt. Amanda Colavolpe, 374th Dental Squadron dental technician.

Colavolpe said that instilling habits of good oral hygiene in children will help prevent serious dental health issues in the future.

"With Little Teeth-Big Smiles, we're exposing a lot of young kids to their first dental visits and getting them more confortable," said Capt. Peter Lee, a 374th DS general dentist.

Lee said that having children comfortable going to the dentist is important in shaping their view of dental care in the future.

"A lot of people say that they don't like the dentist," Lee said. "By reaching the children and their parents now, we can help to shape their dental health for the rest of their lives."