Community Corner

Local Dentists Host Smiles for Santa Event

About 60 local folks underwent free cleanings, exams and other work for free thanks to these local dentists.

In a word, Gina Tebesco said Smiles for Santa is “awesome.”

The McDonald woman sat with her son, Andrew, 11, in the waiting room at Steliotes Dental Spa in McMurray where the boy was scheduled for a cleaning and tooth extraction.

At no cost, of course.

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In fact, none of the approximately 60 patients seen by Steliotes and Dr. Lindsay Visnic paid for their dental work earlier this month, when the office held its 10th annual Smiles For Santa program.

Steliotes, Visnic and the staff donated their time Dec. 2 to patients who don’t have dental insurance and couldn’t otherwise afford to have work done—something the office said is more than appreciated by the recipients, who come from all over.

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“It’s so nice to be able to help people out,” Visnic said. “It’s busy but it feels good.”

Steliotes agreed, saying that the cleanings, extractions and other work done for Smiles for Santa is about more than good dental hygiene.

It’s about giving back and hopefully, setting an example.

“We started (the program) to set an example for others to donate one day of their time,” he said. “I started thinking how lucky we are and what God’s given us.”

And Steliotes added: “We all will need some help some time in our lives. We’ve all been there.”

And when they get the dental help at the spa, he said his clients are “overwhelmingly happy.”

Steliotes said when people hear about the program and call in for appointments they often ask what the catch is. And they often are surprised when he tells them there is none.

“That’s what it’s about—paying it forward,” he said. “It’s that simple.”

Related Topics: Christmas, Smiles for Santa, and Steliotes Dental Spa


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