FREE KIDS' DENTAL CLINIC WILL REOPEN.

Byline: Helen Gao Staff Writer

BURBANK - Forced to close three years ago by a lack of space, a free dental clinic for low-income children will reopen next month at the YMCA.

The Children's Dental Clinic was closed in 1998 after 35 years at Providence Saint Joseph's Medical Center because the hospital needed the space back.

The new facility - renamed the Kids' Community Clinic of Burbank - will be decorated with cartoon characters painted by artists sent by Warner Bros.

``It's a brand new facility. It's very nice. We are excited about it,'' said Jack Tunzi, a dentist who is a member of the clinic's board of directors.

An exact day for reopening has not yet been set, but an invitation-only reception is scheduled tonight to celebrate.

Operating on the second floor of the YMCA at 321 E. Magnolia Blvd, the new clinic was built with $63,000 secured by Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Pasadena, who is a YMCA member.

Staffed by more than 30 volunteer dentists and dental hygienists, the clinic will be open weekdays, serving children whose parents cannot afford dental insurance.

Dental supplies will be donated or purchased with money contributed by private corporations and charities.

``Most of the kids we see don't have a regular dentist they have been going to,'' said Tunzi, who will volunteer his services at the clinic.

``We run the clinic pretty much like a regular dental practice. We try to get them in on a regular basis.''