Providing essential dental care with Sioux Empire Smiles

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (Dakota News Now) -A regular dental appointment is something not everyone has access to, but an event on Saturday looked to close that gap.

Sioux Empire Smiles was a free dental clinic held throughout the day at the Children's Dental Center in Sioux Falls.

The event was available for everyone up to the age of 21 and was intended for those who may not have seen the dentist in several years.

"It's honestly overwhelming because every year it seems like there's more and more turnout, which tells me the word is getting around and we're just helping more kids. For me, there's nothing more that I could ask for as a pediatric dentist," said Dr. Miranda Lommen-Mielke.

In total, Sioux Empire Smiles provided dental care to 150 patients on Saturday.