KENNEWICK-- Tough economic times mean layoffs, fewer benefits, and more uninsured kids. More than 100 volunteers from around the Tri-Cities gave them the care they needed on Free Dentist Day Saturday.

As the economy plummets, more uninsured children are left to suffer through it. Cavities in preschoolers are up for the first time in 50 years.

"It's a little heartbreaking, to know that you have these children that are coming in, and you're going to see them, and you're going to do what you can for them," said one volunteer nurse. "After that, where are they going to go?"

Hundreds of children filed into four locations around the Tri-Cities to have their teeth cleaned, filled, capped and pulled.

Lilia Juarez had been driving her daughter around Oregon and Washington for months, looking for someone to help her with her toothache, but couldn't afford the care. A dentist extracted the tooth Saturday.

"Just imagine what it feels like," said Juarez. "I want to cry with her."

Despite the improvement of public health programs, the numbers indicate that Benton and Franklin Counties are the most dismal in the state when it comes to tooth decay in children.

"Our community has a lot of really hard-working families that still may not have access to dental insurance, so we want to provide this kind of service for those folks who are doing their best, and just may not be able to afford it, or don't have that as a benefit," said Susie Wells, a nurse in the Pasco School District.

Tooth decay is the most common, but preventable health problem for children, but many families can't afford to make dental care a priority until it's too late.

"We don't have a family dentist to go to, because we don't qualify for any kind of health insurance or state programs," said Juarez. "That's why we're just happy this is here."

Dr. Ron Snyder sees this type of gratitude every year.

"Parents are real appreciative," said Snyder. "And although the kids smile, it's hard to tell because their lips are numb. But we know they're smiling."

Volunteers say there are many public assistance programs that can help uninsured children, even if they are undocumented or their parents don't think they will qualify. For more information, call the Benton Franklin Department of Health and Human Services at 586-0207.