YRC Inc. Hosts Christina's Smile Children's Dental Clinic at YRC Worldwide Headquarters

YRC Inc., a subsidiary of YRC Worldwide Inc. and Christina’s Smile Dental Care Clinic will be offering free dental care to needy children on Thursday and Friday, Oct. 1-2, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the YRC Worldwide Headquarters.

Christina’s Smile is a traveling dental clinic that provides free dental care to underprivileged children. Various charitable groups and organizations select the children prior to the Clinic.

“YRC Worldwide is committed to the education and health needs of children and young people,” said Mike Smid, president – YRC Inc., and chief operations officer – YRC Worldwide. “This program provides help and support to children across the country. We are looking forward to continuing our partnership with Christina’s Smile, as we have for the past 20 years.”

Dr. Richard R. Garza, who treated many underprivileged children in his Austin, Texas, dental practice for 22 years, conceived Christina's Smile Children's Dental Clinic in 1989. Dr. Garza came up with the idea of building a mobile clinic in a 48 foot vehicle that would impact as many children and families as possible. A partnership with a trucking company was necessary to move the mobile clinic around and for two decades, YRC Worldwide has partnered with Christina’s Smile to bring free dental care to children across the country.

According to Dr. Garza, children living in poverty throughout the U.S. lack access to dental services, and high health care costs virtually prohibit impoverished families from receiving quality dentistry except through "free clinics" or other such facilities.

“Children who otherwise would not have access to dental care are able to benefit, Christina’s Smile is providing charitable dentistry to thousands of kids,” said Dr. Garza. “This mission requires many partners, and we are lucky that YRC Worldwide continues to be a significant partner in helping these children attain healthier, happier smiles.”

In 2009, 21 Clinics will be conducted to treat over 2,400 children and provide over $1.5 million worth of dentistry to children who might not otherwise receive the care they so desperately need.