Since the clinic opened, everyone has worked to help kids covered by Medicaid take care of existing problems. This coming week, its staff is going to start working on another project -- one that will help them get ahead of the problem.

Garrison Baird was in the dentist's chair this week. While he has a couple of cavities, he doesn't have much fear.

"Let's make it fun,” said Dr. Joseph Dills. “We do everything we can to make them smile."

The Children Smile Center opened in December 2006 to give kids covered by Medicaid in Christian and Stone Counties a place to receive dental care. Since then, it’s served thousands of children.

Now it’s branching out into the second part of its mission: education. Not every child has had the opportunity to learn good teeth care.

"Last week we had to remove her teeth because of progressive decay,” said Dills, talking about a 30-year-old patient.

Before anything grows that serious, before even the cavities, they want to catch kids and their parents.

“We're trying to provide information to parents that will eliminate that,” said Rogetta Prueitt, director of Children Smile Center.

On Monday, they'll hold an open house to spread the word. They'll focus on teaching kids and parents about nutrition, brushing and flossing. And, while they won't be filling cavities for walk-ins, some children will take a seat.

"We're going to do screenings for kids in Christian and Stone counties," said Prueitt.

Everyone will hopefully walk out with some information, maybe a prize, and definitely a toothbrush.

“Anyone is welcome," said Pruiett.

This event will take place on Monday at the Children Smile Center from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. The clinic is at 603 N. 21st Street in Ozark. That's three blocks west of U.S. 65 on Missouri 14 and one block south on 21st. The telephone number is (417) 582-5439.