Dentist gives free care to about 85 children

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake Dentist Dr. Craig Harder cleaned the teeth of about 85 children Friday and completed other dental care at his Free Children’s Dentistry Day.

The dentist donated more than $26,000 in free care in a single day, said Patient Care Coordinator Robin Ramirez.

The event was offered in conjunction with National Children’s Dental Health Month.

“It’s cool they’re doing this for the kids,” said Moses Lake resident Jeannette Myers.

Myers brought her 10-year-old daughter Sara Myers in for care.

Sara was a more fixated on lunch time than she was about having her teeth cleaned.

She missed school for the dentist visit, and in school, it would be nearly lunch time.

“Everybody’s stomachs are growling by like 10:50,” she said.

Sara said there are benefits to visiting the dentist.

“Keeping my teeth clean,” she said.

Sara came to the event with her first cavity. She noted cavities are not in her family history.

Moses Lake youth Kyle Harwood, 9 years old, called the event “awesome.”

Kyle received a cleaning, checkup and cavity filling.

“I think it is a huge relief because his insurance has been dropped,” mother Amber Harwood said.

Harwood said her husband is currently unemployed.

Kyle always visits the dentist twice each year, as recommendedby dentists.

“This allows us to continue his dental health and not have to worry,” Harwood said.

She said it is great to see a doctor with such a big heart, and she was thankful for the care.

“There isn’t generosity in the world like this,” Harwood said.

Moses Lake resident Cindy Wilson brought 12-year-old  Cooper Wilson in for care.

Wilson heard about the event and decided to sign up.

She said Cooper lacks dental insurance, but luckily his teeth are in decent shape.

“It’s a real nice thing for them to do for the community,” Wilson said.

Her son received a cleaning, filling and tooth extraction.

Harder said two volunteer hygienists helped out Friday.

Three hours into the event, $9,000 in work had been done.

“We are cruising,” he said. “We are actually ahead of schedule right now. It’s going good.”

Harwood said he felt energized.