Levy Dental Group opened doors to kids for free care

NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH)-- Claudia Martinez's gratitude is expressed in tears minutes afterward.

"I just want to say thank you to them," said Claudia Martinez, a 13-year-old patient.

She puts her head on her mother's shoulder.

Many teens wouldn't react this way, but Claudia is relieved knowing she'll get braces.
 
"I know people who have them and they say that it hurts. So, I'm kind of excited and I'm kind of in pain at the same time," said Martinez.

She along with more than 100 underserved children were welcomed in Levy Dental Group for free care. All they needed to do was walk in the door, sign up, and wait.

No questions asked.

Dr. John Levy started this seven  years ago with Give Kids a Smile. He says it's a national program motivated to change the young mouths of America.

"A kid who has no control over things and they come in with disease in their mouth and that kind of inspired us to do something for the community," said Dr. Levy.

Last year, more than 600 kids were seen statewide and more than 300 volunteered their Saturday.

Levy says it's knowing you can change, build confidence with a teeth clean, a cavity filled, and for Claudia, a new smile soon.

"Just walking away at the end of the day saying, you know what, I just effected some kids life for the rest of her life. It makes this all come together worth while," said Dr. Levy.

"I feel like with them, that they're not going to hurt me and they make me feel good about my smile," said Martinez.

She leaves feeling better about her smile.

The younger kids look forward to something else.

And just like any other dentists office, kids get to take home a bag of supplies with a toothbrush and a toy, with these lovely volunteers. Dr. Levy says with today, he hope it inspires other offices to do the same.