Monongalia County Health Department Provides Free Dental Care for Kids

Annual 'Give Kids a Smile' event offers checkups, cleanings, and more to uninsured children

Feb. 6, 2026 at 7:39pm

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The Monongalia County Health Department in Morgantown, West Virginia held its annual 'Give Kids a Smile' event on Friday, providing free dental care to over 30 local children who do not have dental insurance. The event offered free checkups, cleanings, fluoride treatments, and even some restorative work to kids aged 18 and under.

Why it matters

This event helps ensure that underserved children in the Morgantown community have access to proper dental care and hygiene, which can have long-term impacts on their overall health and well-being. Many families struggle to afford regular dental visits, so the Monongalia County Health Department's initiative aims to promote lifelong healthy habits.

The details

The Monongalia County Health Department has been hosting the 'Give Kids a Smile' event for the past 16 years. At this year's event, children received free dental exams, cleanings, fluoride treatments, and any necessary restorative work. Program Director Dr. Youseph Kassar said the goal is to provide care to families who may not typically visit the dentist due to insurance or financial concerns.

  • The Monongalia County Health Department has held the 'Give Kids a Smile' event annually for the past 16 years.
  • This year's event took place on Friday, February 7, 2026.

The players

Monongalia County Health Department

The local public health department in Morgantown, West Virginia that has been hosting the annual 'Give Kids a Smile' event to provide free dental care to uninsured children in the community.

Dr. Youseph Kassar

The program director at the Monongalia County Health Department who oversees the 'Give Kids a Smile' initiative.

Megan Wright

A parent of a child who attended the event and expressed appreciation for the Monongalia County Health Department's efforts to make dental care accessible.

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What they’re saying

“It's a fun event for us to invite people who may not typically come to the dentist due to insurance or financial concerns. And, we really want to promote the importance of proper health care for children to continue lifelong habits.”

— Dr. Youseph Kassar, Program Director, Monongalia County Health Department

“We've been coming to the Mon County Health Department for dentistry and they've offered us this service since we don't have dental insurance. They've been so warm and welcoming and kind and guiding my kids and making dental care easy and accessible for us. We really, really appreciate it.”

— Megan Wright, Parent

What’s next

The Monongalia County Health Department plans to continue hosting the 'Give Kids a Smile' event annually to provide free dental care to uninsured children in the Morgantown community.

The takeaway

The Monongalia County Health Department's 'Give Kids a Smile' initiative demonstrates the importance of ensuring all children have access to proper dental care, regardless of their family's ability to afford it. By making dental services free and accessible, the program helps promote lifelong healthy habits and improve overall community wellness.