Tooth decay is the single most common childhood chronic disease? Because of it, more than 52 million school hours are lost each year. Local health professionals tried to close the gap Saturday in the hardest hit group, low income children.

“We don't want you to get cavities between your teeth.” For many parents, having their children see a dentist was nearly impossible until Saturday.

"Not an option, nothing, because we don't have insurance so it's very nice that OneWorld offered this service,” said mom Blanca Mejia.

There is always concern over health insurance, but the estimates are there are three times as many who don't have dental insurance, which makes it harder for families to access care.

OneWorld Community Health Centers hosted "Give Kids A Smile,” opening up their clinic at 30th and L streets and offering free dental care to uninsured kids up to 12 years old.

"The need is huge,” said Andrea Skolkin with OneWorld Health Center. “I think people would be surprised if they looked around and saw some of the kids in our school system that are walking around with pain and toothaches.”

Dr. Paul Beutler is one of the 17 volunteers who undertook the 140 appointments made Saturday. "Usually we see kids that have a few cavities. Today we've seen kids with every tooth in their mouth has a dark spot and they've been in pain, they have swollen gums.”

After a few hours in the dentist chair, it was a clean bill of health, which brought a smile to not only patient, but mom, too. "To know he is fine makes my day,” said Mejia.

The OneWorld Community Health Center Clinic is open during the week. Fees are determined by a sliding scale based on income. Organizers said based on Saturday’s turnout, they will consider having other free clinic days later this year.