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There's no better way to support your community than supporting your neighbors in need, especially during the holiday season. We'll feature local charities on Spew throughout this holiday season with links to donate your money, supplies and time.

Give the karmic wheel a spin for today's charity focus:

Lindquist Dental Clinic for Children

Clinics in Parkland, South Tacoma, Gig Harbor and Buckley
253.539.7445

Healthy teeth are important for good health and self-esteem.

According to the 2000 Surgeon General's report, "Oral Health in America," tooth decay is the single most chronic childhood disease - five times more common than asthma and seven times more common than hay fever.

The 2003 Pierce County Needs Assessment survey pinpointed that finding and accessing dental care to be in the top five overall needs and service needs throughout Pierce County.

Here are some facts:

• 37 percent of Pierce County second- and third-graders have rampant tooth decay compared to 21 percent in Washington state.
• 39 percent of low-income preschoolers in Pierce County have severe decay compared to 18 percent in the state.
• Low and moderate-income children with tooth decay miss an average of 13 days a year of school due to dental problems.
• It has been determined that 80 percent of all dental disease is found within the low-income population in the community.

This is a situation that Lindquist Dental Clinic for Children, or LDCC, is working hard to change. Its mission is to provide accessible, compassionate and effective dental care to South Sound children in need.

"We are committed to serving children in need," said Carolyn McDougal, LDCC's president and chief executive officer. "No child is turned away due to the family's inability to pay."

A private not-for-profit 501(c)(3), LDCC provides quality dental service to children up to age 18 throughout Pierce County at four locations located in Gig Harbor, South Tacoma, Parkland, and Buckley. LDCC's professional dental staff provides preventive care and education, cleanings, fillings, extractions, fluoride treatments, emergency care, root canals, permanent crowns, X-rays, and space maintainers. The clinic is the only full-time children's dental clinic in Pierce County that provides services for children regardless of income.

Over the past seven years, the clinic's patient count has grown 800 percent.

"The need is here," said McDougal.

Besides accepting patients who cannot pay, LDCC accepts low-income children who have no insurance or ability to pay.  The clinic accepts Department of Social and Health Services medical coupons and most insurance.  Of importance to military families, the clinic accepts TRICARE Dental with no out-of-pocket costs for covered services for families who qualify according to income. What's more, LDCC also operates a dental outreach program where it partners with various community agencies and schools to provide free dental screening.

"We promote ourselves in order to give away services," explained McDougal with a big smile.

The services provided at Lindquist Dental Clinic for Children are made possible in part by the generosity of community members and organizations.   

"Every donation helps us accomplish our mission; this is a business that gives back to the community," concluded McDougal.

LINK: Donate to Lindquist Dental Clinic for Children

LINK: Volunteer at Lindquist Dental Clinic for Children

Previous Mistledole charities

Tacoma Community House