Dr. Monica Cipes is providing free dental care to Hartford children.

Cipes Pediatric Dentistry hygienist Maren Watts speaks with children at the ECLC about dental health. Courtesy photo

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The Village for Families & Children recently teamed up with Drs. Monica Cipes and Elizabeth Chisholm, a mother-daughter team of pediatric dentists at Cipes Pediatric Dentistry of West Hartford, to provide dental health care to preschoolers at The Village’s Early Childhood Learning Center (ECLC) in Asylum Hill.

During the visit, Cipes Pediatric Dentistry hygienist Maren Watts shared about the importance of dental health with an interactive presentation for the preschoolers and provided free consultations and visual oral screenings. She also gave bags of dental health products to the children.

Cipes Pediatric Dentistry hygienist Maren Watts speaks with children at the ECLC about dental health. Courtesy photo

Dr. Cipes adopted her son – Dr. Chisholm’s brother – from The Village more than 40 years ago. Their practice’s free consultations for Village children are a way to give back and continue helping children from historically underserved communities.

“We always look to do a charitable event during Children’s Dental Health Month in February, and the stars aligned this time with The Village,” Dr. Cipes said. “Having adopted my son from The Village, I was happy to be their dental consultant.”

Dr. Cipes adopted her son while completing her pediatric dental residency. “February is also the month that we brought my son home,” she added. “That was another wonderful connection. To this day, I don’t pass by The Village’s campus without thinking of that.”

The ECLC is located within The Village’s Spring Street Family Center, which also operates a Words Count literacy program and other basic needs programs for low-income families, including a food pantry and access to hygiene products.

“Drs. Cipes and Chisholm’s generous contribution is a natural extension of the services provided at our Family Center,” said Village President and CEO Galo Rodriguez. “We’re very thankful to them for providing this important learning experience and service for children at The Village.”

The Village relies on partnerships with local businesses, organizations and community members to meet existing and emerging needs for families it serves. To help fill a need or make a donation, please visit thevillage.org or contact Sarah Adanti, Village Senior Director of Development, at 860-236-4511.

Cipes Pediatric Dentistry hygienist Maren Watts speaks with children at the ECLC about dental health. Courtesy photo

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