Bergenfield, NJ—–Dr. Mariliza LaCap and Dr. Darren Tong, residents of Old Tappan, will provide a day of FREE dentistry for children ages 16 and below as part of the National Children?s Dental Health Month. This will be their seventh year in providing this most needed service. Last year they provided a value of over $25,000 of dentistry.

Doctors and Team members volunteer their time. Give Kids A Smile”, will be held on February 10 (Friday) 9:00 am - 5:00 pm at Washington Dental Associates located at 19 Legion Drive in Bergenfield.

Our office is one of a few offices in the Bergen County area participating in this program.  “It?s heartbreaking to see a child?s smile destroyed by severe tooth decay.” said Dr LaCap. “Imagine not being able to eat, sleep or pay attention in school because you have a mouthful of toothaches. It?s tragic. In this tough economic times when parents are loosing their jobs, it’s even more important for us to give back to the community and help out.  All the Doctors and team members in our office volunteer their time.  We work with an amazing group of people who are giving and caring.”

Expected growth in appointments this year will be due to the high unemployment rate in New Jersey, the explosive growth of children living in poverty and more families opting to forgo dental insurance and treatment in order to help pay for other essential living expenses.

“Tooth decay is the most common chronic childhood disease in America and it is 100% preventable.” says Dr. Tong, a Columbia University graduate and pediatric dentist.   “The more we keep pushing this message out to the public and those who can help us reach this goal, the faster we can put our children on the road to becoming cavity free.”

“Giving back to the community that has supported our office is also important to us”, says Dr. Tong. “This program will touch the lives of so many of new Jersey?s children who need oral healthcare and instruction. I am proud to be a part of this special day of giving.”

“Our focus this year is the Northern New Jersey community. We are hoping to serve children whose parents cannot afford to provide dental health care,” said Dr. LaCap, a Columbia University Alumnus who has been practicing dentistry for over 19 years with her husband Dr. Tong.

Qualified children (children with NJ Care card, medicaid or whose parent?s simply can’t afford the dentistry needed) should call and make an appointment.  “These appointments fill up quickly. We usually have to turn people away,” says Larni, the front office manager. The children will receive a comprehensive dental exam, any emergency treatment, oral healthcare instruction, fluoride treatment and free dental hygiene material including toothbrush, toothpaste and floss.

If your children or any children you know qualifies for this program, please call their office at (201) 384-2425 and mention the “Give Kids a Smile” progam. They are also looking for more dental assistants or hygienists to volunteer their time on this special day of giving, please give them a call or visit their website at www.WashingtonDentalNJ.com and click on “Giving back to the Community”.