Helping a Healthy Smiles patient "with a little holiday cheer" are dental assistant Susan Hutchison, Dr. John Muenchrath and clinic coordinator Sheila Comer, back.

 JOHN DAY It was like an early visit from Santa, said one patient receiving dental work at Healthy Smiles Dental Clinic.

 Dr. John Muenchrath, a Coos Bay dentist, visited the clinic Nov. 8-12, volunteering his dental services to Grant County residents who met clinic guidelines.

 Another patient thanked the dentist and noted that the dental procedure she received was like an early Christmas present.

 When Healthy Smiles volunteer and patients heard Muenchrath insist hes not Santa, they replied, Youre our Santa.

 Many of us dont know what its like for those who do not have dental services, said Jan Bauer, volunteer dental consultant. There is no greater gift than your health.

 The work at the nonprofit clinic is made possible through grants received from the Ford Family Foundation, Grant County Commission on Children and Families and Eastern Oregon Dental Society.

 Without these and other local donations, we would not have enough funds to do what we have been able to do, Bauer said.

 She noted that the grants focus on children or children and their families while donations from local businesses and individuals, along with patient co-pays, help provide services for other adults.

 During September and October, the clinic had Drs. Mike DesJardin and Virginia McMillan, both local dentists, volunteering time and dental treatment, as well as students from La Grandes ODS School of Hygeine.

 Bauer said she appreciated the volunteer dentists for their dedication and service to Grant County residents and noted that dental assistants and other volunteers also kept things running smoothly in 2010.

 More clinic days are expected at the start of the new year.

 Sheila Comer, clinic coordinator, noted that for 2010 Healthy Smiles has supported services for 320 patient visits equal to $64,530 in services.

 We are grateful for yet another year for providing oral health services, Comer said.

 Grant County residents seeking dental care who are not covered by any dental insurance and meet the income guidelines may fill out an application at Healthy Smiles, located at the Grant County Health Department building, 528 E. Main. For more information, or to make a donation, contact Comer at 541-620-0953.