Melissa Hernandez’s son, Gustavo, age 6, was in excruciating pain. His mouth was hurting terribly and he was having sleepless nights. Ms. Hernandez called her current dentist who offered her an appointment in 3 days. She called several other dentists in town and they either refused to see Gustavo since he was covered by Medicaid or offered an appointment several days in the future. Ms. Hernandez states “I was frustrated . . . I didn’t know what to do to help my child feel better.” He needed medical care immediately. She then remembered a flyer she had received outside of Wal-Mart several months earlier advertising a new dental office in Laredo called Kool Smiles. Although she already had a dentist for her three children, she kept the flyer “just in case”.
She called the number on the flyer and to her surprise Kool Smiles told her they would see Gustavo that day and to “walk-in anytime before 2PM”. When Ms. Hernandez and Gustavo arrived at Kool Smiles they were immediately greeted by staff that looked in Gustavo’s mouth and suspected an infection. The dentist saw him immediately and confirmed that Gustavo did indeed have an infection and had to have several teeth removed. With in no time, the pain in Gustavo’s mouth subsided and he began smiling. Ms. Hernandez stated, “I was thrilled and relieved that Gustavo got the medical care he needed.”
Remarking further on her Kool Smiles experience, Ms. Hernandez says “I was so happy that when I really needed services for my child, and even though they had never seen him before, Kool Smiles was willing to treat him. The staff was wonderful. They were “sympathetic and caring and explained the procedures very thoroughly. I also met with the dentist and received further information on Gustavo’s treatment.”
After her wonderful experience at Kool Smiles with Gustavo, Ms. Hernandez went ahead and transferred her other two children, Emily age 4 and Carlos age 6 from her current dentist to Kool Smiles. All her children love Kool Smiles and she has continued to have the same positive experience with Emily and Carlos that she had with Gustavo. Ms. Hernandez has been telling all her friends, family and co-workers about Kool Smiles.
“When we leave after their dental appointments, I leave happy and the kids leave happy.” How can you beat that? “I am so grateful that Kool Smiles decided to come to Laredo, Texas. Thank you, Kool Smiles!”
Captured By: Edna Garcia, Community Relations Specialist
Ruth Lara, Neighborhood Marketer
Kool Smiles of Laredo
