Maui Oral Health Center and the University of Hawaii Maui College hosted the second Give Kids a Smile free dental treatment day March 8.

The event is an outreach effort by local dentists and auxiliaries who volunteer their time and services to establish a “dental home” for children who may otherwise not receive regular dental care, according to an announcement.

More than 20 children from the community received treatment including exams, cleanings, X-rays, fillings, extractions of broken teeth, root canals and stainless steel crowns.

For some of these children, it was their very dental visit, and many of their parents were unaware that their children were eligible for coverage at the Maui Oral Health Center through the Medicaid system.

Fifteen local dentists provided the free care; within the group, two are oral maxillofacial surgeons, one is a pediatric dentist and another is an endodontic specialist.

Assisting with check-in, screening, treatment and sterilization of instruments were staff members of the Maui Oral Health Center and UH-MC Dental Assisting Program instructors and students.

Patterson Dental, Henry Schein Dental and participating dentists donated all supplies.