Dental care is an excellent way to provide for one's future overall health.

The research is clear that poor oral health plays a contributing factor in the potential development of diabetes, heart disease, pneumonia and pregnancy complications.

To meet this challenge, the Lindquist Dental Clinic for Children (LDCC) has since 1936 been providing accessible, compassionate and affordable care to Puget Sound children.

"The staff makes my children feel comfortable and at ease," a military mom wrote to the clinic.

"They take the time to comfort our girls, and they use ‘fun child' language to explain what they do."

The workload is growing as no child is turned away due to an inability to pay.

While providing accessible, compassionate and effective dental care to the area's children, LDCC also supports military families.

"In support of our troops, there are no out-of-pocket costs for covered dental services for children age 0 to 18 with TRICARE Dental, based on the family meeting income qualifications," wrote Karyn Whitacre, director of business operations.

"Also, we accept DSHS (Department of Social and Health Services), most private insurance and offer a sliding fee scale to those that qualify."

That should be a gleam on your teeth.

"Being a military family, we have to find new dental care each time we move," wrote another military mom.

"A friend recommended Lindquist Dental Clinic for Children because of their wonderful incentive for military families."

LDCC operates clinics in south Tacoma, Bremerton, Gig Harbor and Parkland.

Vital to its mission of providing dental care to area children, LDCC relies on the generosity of donors.

"The funds we receive from the Combined Federal Campaign allow us to continue to provide dental service to Pierce County children in need, regardless of the ability to pay," continued Whitacre.

She pointed out that every dollar donated supports the clinic's mission.

"It has been such a blessing to have great dental care for a minimal (if any at all) cost out-of-pocket," wrote another mom.

LDCC's CFC donation number is 94061.

"Your gift makes a significant and critical investment in a child's oral health prevention, treatment and education to minimize long-term healthcare costs," wrote Carolyn McDougal Weyrick, the clinic's director for the CFC.

"It allows children to reach their full potential."

For more information, visit www.lindquistdental.org, email philanthropy@lindquistdental.org, or call 253.539.7445.