posted on 7/24/2009
MILWAUKEE -- The Brewers didn't play on Thursday but another team was busy out at Miller Park.
There is nothing unusual about a bunch of kids at the ballpark flashing their team spirit. What was a bit odd was that the seats are empty, the field was bare and the doctor was in. By the end of the day, dentists saw more than 250 children at Miller Park. They got treatment, screening and dental health education. It was about $270,000 worth of care at no cost.
The dentists are working out of a portable clinic. They had all their tools and supplies. There was even a machine that can make crowns for the kids in just a few minutes. All this, is the work of TeamSmile. The nonprofit works with sports organizations across the country, to give children free dental service.
"Fifty percent of the children have never been before, and the other 50 percent just have sporadic appointments and treatment," TeamSmile cofounder Dr. Bill Bush said.
"Were you scared coming in?" WISN 12 News reporter Patrick Paolantonio asked. "Yeah," patient Jorge Valles said. "And what about now?" Paolantonio asked. "Nah, not too much," Valles said.
Former Major Leaguer, Willie Wilson is a big supporter of the mission and the kids. "People do care. People do help. And so when they get a little bit older, they can care and help some other kids too," Wilson said.
Brewers centerfielder Mike Cameron donated money and Wisconsin dentist's volunteered their services so this could happen.
The children were all pre-selected from the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Milwaukee.
