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About 300 needy children are expected to receive free dental screenings Friday, thanks in part to a cycling club from the Northwest Side.

Since last year, members of the SaddleBrooke CycleMasters have worked to raise funds for El Rio Community Health Center's "Give Kids a Smile Day" and other dental programs for youngsters.

Bob Campbell, a CycleMasters member and chairman of the club's "Miles for Smiles" campaign, said the group last year raised $7,500 for what it deemed a worthy cause.

"They've got kids showing up that have never been to the dentist in their lives," he said of the annual "Give Kids a Smile Day, a national initiative of the American Dental Association."

The group chose to work with the El Rio Foundation, the fund-raising arm of the health center, because 100 percent of the club's contribution goes toward programs, and none to administrative costs, Campbell said.

The cycling club, which launched this year's campaign and kickoff ride Jan. 12, already has collected about $5,000 in pledges, he said.

The club solicits donations from individuals and companies based on the number of miles logged by its roughly 200 riders. The CycleMasters' campaign got a boost from the Windermere Foundation, which sponsored the kickoff ride.

The foundation contributed a $1,000 check and an additional $1,500 pledge to the campaign, Campbell said.

The cycling club's financial assistance helps provide dental care to children who might not otherwise afford it, said Jill Rodriguez, development coordinator for El Rio Foundation.

"I don't think people realize how many children there are who need help," Rodriguez said.

Last year, 200 children received the free dental screenings, she said, adding El Rio dentists are prepared to treat at least 300 children Friday.

The "Give Kids a Smile Day" event will take walk-in patients from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at El Rio's Southwest Dental Clinic, 1530 W. Commerce Court.

People also can make an appointment for St. Elizabeth's Health Center's own "Give Kids a Smile Day" Feb. 8.

St. Elizabeth's, at 140 W. Speedway, is a program of Catholic Community Services of Southern Arizona Inc.

At El Rio's event Friday, Arizona Physicians IPA, an Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System health plan, will showcase its new "Shine Arizona — Health on Wheels Tour" bus.

Children will be able to enjoy healthy food demonstrations and outdoor games, Rodriguez said. 

Those unable to take advantage of the dental screenings when offered can make an appointment to visit one of El Rio's dental clinics later, Rodriguez said.

Patients also can visit two other clinics, Northwest Dental at 4009 N. Flowing Wells Road, and Congress Dental at 839 W. Congress St.

Dr. Greg La Chance, El Rio's dental director, said the health centers have 12 dentists and 10 hygienists to serve patients' dental needs.

It is important that children visit a dentist by their first birthday, he said. By then, children have at least half their teeth in place, La Chance said.

"It's a good idea to take them to the dentist to make sure they're not getting cavities," he said.