Brandon Dentist Buys Candy, Helps Troops

The talk of Halloween candy and dentists go hand-in-hand.  And one Brandon dentist isn't different in saying that parents should limit the amount of candy kids eat. 

"We really coach parents to try to divide things out a little bit; give them a treat now and then.  Don't let them dive into the bag for a couple of days.  It's not good on the teeth at all," Scott Wehrkamp said.

But, Scott Wehrkamp of Wehrkamp Dentistry in Brandon has a unique solution.  He's offering to buy up to five pounds of candy from kids at $1 per pound.  Last year's event brought in 60 pounds of candy.  Organizers are hopeful this year's event will exceed that amount.

"A lot of it just goes to waste and now there are programs out there that we can benefit others with it," Wehrkamp said.

The program he's talking about is "Operation Gratitude."  The candy collected from Wehrkamp's office will be packed up with candy gathered from similar events and sent to US troops who are serving overseas.

"We're all grateful for what those people are doing for us. And if in some small way we can help them smile and give them a little taste of what's happening back home, I think that's really good," Wehrkamp said.

Because after all, dentists are all about smiles.

Kids are also encouraged to draw a picture or write a letter to the troops.

The dentist office will collect candy through the middle of next week before it is shipped overseas.  Kids who sell their candy also get a new toothbrush.