Addison - A smile can go a long way.

And the "Tooth Ferry" is helping make kids in Washington County have winning ones.

The "ferry's" road show stopped in Addison.

"We're here doing sealants for second graders for the D.W. Merritt School."

It's in preparation for a free dental clinic being held in Machias.

"NYU College of Dentistry is coming. They have been funded by Delta Dental Plan of Maine."

Washington County Children's Program has had a lot to do with the planning process. They say there is a big need in Washington County.

"The decay rate has been very high. We see it even in the young children. We've seen children year after year with the same dental decay and after the last two clinics we've actually started to see that change."

They encourage folks to return.

Fourth-grader Logan Beal has been visiting the "tooth ferry" since she was two and has some advice for others.

"Not to be scared because you get a goody bag after."

Beal had her teeth cleaned. A service her mom sure appreciates.

"Before we were having to travel to Brewer to a pediatric dentist and have work done. Then we lost our dental coverage and I couldn't even afford to take her that far so this has been a great saver for us."

"In the long term aspect of it, these children as adults can end up with cardiac issues because of it. It's a whole body wellness that starts with your mouth I believe."

The dental clinic will be in Machias the week of October 17th through the 22nd. It will be at the Lee Pellon Center which is located on Route 1. No appointment is needed.

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