There were big smiles today from Keila Mercado's kids, and one from their mother as well.

"Our bills are very high at this time of year, so it takes a lot of weight out of our shoulders, and I am very happy," said Buffalo Resident Keila Mercado.

5 of her kids got free dental care, an exam, their teeth cleaned, fluoride treatment, and x rays if necessary at Women and Children's Hospital. Her bill? Zero Dollars.

"They have health insurance but not dental insurance, so I took advantage right away, and called ," said Mercado.

Her children, and more than a thousand others, benefit from the University at Buffalo's School of Dental Medicine's Give Kids a Smile Day. Free dental care. Kids leave with better dental hygiene, a toothbrush, and some stickers. For some kids, it is the first time they have gotten a check-up. For parents, they offer help as well.

"We are just raising awareness to the parents. There is access for them to get insurance, so starting today we are working with them, and we can call them and set them up with dental insurance to help them out," said Dental Hygienist Kelly Ludtka.

They also want to stress the importance of dental health, that infections can begin in the mouth and travel elsewhere. Keila's kids were good listeners, and they all get ready to leave healthy

"Relieved, because my kids are very important to me, and I am gonna be very happy," added Keila.

South Buffalo Mercy also took part, and hundreds of volunteers made the day run smoothly.