Omaha - As the economy continues to falter.

Creighton University is taking a bite out of hard times and offering struggling families a service that will leave them grinning ear to ear.

The weird noises from a dentist's office make it sometimes hard to get anyone excited about going to the dentist.

However today, parents dragged their kids out of bed to get the dental care they desperately need during a time when many families cannot afford the service.

"I said free, free dental, free dental is pretty good because things are going up now-a-days and people want what's best for their kids," said Christina Evans, a parent who brought her kids to the dentist.

Christina Evans brought her 3 kids to get their teeth cleaned.

At the moment, her family is one of many that has to forgo dental insurance.

"I thought that was something good that Creighton's doing," Evans said.

Evans can't believe how crowded the waiting room is.

More than 120 kids came to the event for X-rays and teeth cleanings.

Dr. Gary Westerman tells Action 3 News, for many of the kids, today's visit is the first time they've ever seen a dentist.

"Some of them truly do have significant dental needs," said Creighton University School of Dentistry Professor, Dr. Gary Westerman.

Even the School of Dentistry is noticing the harsh effects from the economy.

"Some people are ignoring dentistry or putting it lower on the priority list," Dr. Westerman said.

Christina Evans is just happy she can keep her kids' pearly white smiles on the up and up.

Posted by Erika Summers, esummers@action3news.com