Joliet, IL - Will County dentists and dental professionals provided free dental services to local children from low-income families recently as part of the "Give Kids a Smile" campaign. The event was sponsored by the Will County Dental Society. Senator AJ Wilhelmi joined Kurt Faber, DDS and Christine Dunham, DDS in Joliet at the office of his dentist, Lanette Disera DDS, to raise awareness of the National Children Dental Health Month. Many other dentists also participated throughout Will County.

Children from kindergarden to fifth grade who live in Will County received free dental care at four additional locations, including the offices of Candice Gibbons, DDS in New Lenox, Daniel Gianni, DDS in Plainfield, Carillon Family Dental in Romeoville and Orthodontic Associates / Pediatric Dental Specialty Associates in New Lenox.

"This is a great campaign that reminds us of the importance of quality dental care, and how to form good habits at an early age to prevent avoidable health problems later in life," Senator Wilhelmi said.

In Illinois, children are eligible for healthcare under the All Kids program. Senator Wilhelmi voted for this program, and it became law in 2006.

"There is no question that in Illinois and across our nation, children should have access to quality health and dental care," Senator Wilhelmi stated.

The budget crisis in Illinois has exacerbated the issue of access to quality healthcare. The All Kids program, as well as the Family Care program, is available through the state-run Medicaid program, which reimburses participating providers. Because of the budget crisis, the state is having difficulty paying its bills in a timely manner. Therefore, not enough doctors and dentists are able or willing to participate in these important Medicaid programs.

This week, Senator Wilhelmi is returning to Springfield to work towards a responsible budget solution that includes increased efficiencies through performance-based measurements, important reforms, and possibly new revenue.

"I am committed to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to find a responsible solution to our budget crisis so that critical programs like All Kids and Family Care will be funded in the coming months and years," Wilhelmi said. "The people of Illinois deserve nothing less."