Kansas City, MO -- (SBWIRE) -- 12/02/2015 -- On Tuesday October 20th, 2015, 268 underserved children received $129,980.00 worth of dental care during the 10th annual "Kansas City Oral Health Care Day".
Dustin Colquitt the Kansas City Chiefs punter who has been involved with TeamSmile for over 10 years and hasn't forgotten his initial inspiration. In 2005, in Baltimore, there was a boy in the inner city that had a toothache, who complained about it and ended up having a bacterial infection. The young boy went into cardiac arrest and passed away. Dr. Bill Busch of NKC Dental located in Kansas City, MO knew the power of Colquitt's potential reach as a member of the Chiefs; Busch called Colquitt. "There's a kid who ended up passing away, he had a toothache. We can't let this happen again. Are you in?" Busch asked Colquitt.
Joined by linebacker Justin Houston, kicker Cairo Santos and wide receiver Jason Avant, Colquitt among others, TeamSmile and United Way held their 10th "dental party" in as many years, providing complimentary dental care to children in need. "This is a great thing," Avant said. "I wish they would have had this service when I was kid." He added, "These kids having this opportunity is great and this is a great event, one of the best I've ever been to."
United Way partners with TeamSmile to supply the necessary equipment and machinery to pull off an event of this magnitude. "Our work really focuses around four core areas of need in the community—poverty, literacy, career-readiness and well being," said Sean Wheeler, the senior vice president of marketing and communications for United Way.
Upon arrival, each child meets with one of 15 dentists who have agreed to shut down their personal offices for the day in order to volunteer at Arrowhead Stadium. They perform cleanings and some cosmetic procedures as well as preventive measures to ensure the kids will have good oral health.
About Dr. Busch
Dr. Busch is one of a select group of dentists around the country who have achieved Mastership in the Academy of General Dentistry. Dr. Busch is the co-founder and creator of TeamSmile.org, a nonprofit dental organization providing underserved children with life-changing dental care.
To donate, volunteer or find out more about TeamSmile, visit their website at: http://teamsmile.org/.
Dr. Busch can be reached at 816-471-2911 or info@nkcdental.com.