A Holiday Break Opportunity for Families
For many families, the hardest part of keeping up with dental care is simply finding the time. School, activities, and work schedules leave little room for routine checkups. Christmas break changes that. With school on pause and family schedules more flexible, this season offers the ideal opportunity to bring children, teens, and adults in for preventive dental visits—without pulling anyone out of class or rearranging the weekday rush. Healthy Connections’ dental clinics in Mena and Hot Springs Chippewa are open throughout the holiday season, making it easier than ever to keep your family’s smiles healthy.
Skip School Absences by Scheduling Now
Dental appointments during the school year often mean missed classroom time, early checkouts, and hurried afternoons. When you schedule during Christmas break, you avoid all of that. Your family can complete cleanings and hygiene visits now, while school is out, and start 2026 with one less thing competing for your time. Once classes resume, our extended hours—Monday through Thursday, 7:45 a.m. to 6 p.m.—allow families to schedule before or after school, so children remain on track academically without sacrificing needed healthcare.
Gentle, Stress-Free Visits for All Ages
Many families delay dental visits because children—or even adults—feel anxious. Our holiday hygiene visits are designed to be calm, comfortable, and reassuring. These visits focus on preventive care and confidence-building, with no drills, no needles, and no fear. For young children or first-time patients, this is an ideal introduction to dental care at a relaxed pace.
Healthy Connections sees patients of all ages. Whether you’re bringing one child or the entire family, we welcome everyone who needs a visit. When you call to schedule, simply let us know who needs an appointment so we can reserve the right amount of time.
What to Expect at Your Visit
Parents want clarity, and here is exactly what happens during a typical holiday hygiene appointment:
- Check-in at the front desk
- Quick review of health and medical history
- Gentle dental cleaning by one of our hygienists
- Fluoride treatment if appropriate
- Screening for cavities and gum concerns
- Time to ask questions
- A sticker or small treat for kids
Most visits take around 30 minutes, and we work hard to stay on schedule so your day stays on track. Families with multiple children can request back-to-back appointments, making it easier to complete all visits in one trip. Parents and siblings are welcome to attend—just be sure to schedule each person who needs a visit.
If you prefer to see one of our dentists rather than a hygienist, appointments with our dental providers are also available at both locations.
Parking and Easy Access
Both clinics offer simple, convenient parking:
Hot Springs Chippewa Dental Clinic
1723 Malvern Ave., Hot Springs
Located on the lower level, with parking directly outside the entrance.
Mena Dental Clinic
136 Health Park Lane, Mena
Located inside the main clinic building, with patient parking steps from the front door.
Both locations are ADA accessible, and interpreters are available for families who need language support.
What to Bring
To make your appointment as smooth as possible, please bring:
- Dental insurance card or coverage information
- A list of current medications
- Any dental records you may have (optional)
When we confirm your appointment, our staff will review everything you need to bring and answer any questions.
Insurance, Sliding Fee, and Affordability
Healthy Connections accepts most major dental insurance plans, including Medicaid. For families without insurance or those who need support, our sliding-fee discount program helps reduce the cost of care based on household income. If you’re unsure about your coverage, our team can help verify benefits before your appointment so you’re fully informed.
Walk-Ins Welcome
Walk-ins are welcome at both dental locations. Walk-in patients are added to the schedule behind those with appointments, and we will work you in as quickly as possible. For the shortest wait and guaranteed times—especially during Christmas break—appointments are recommended.
Why Holiday Break Is the Best Time to Act
Scheduling now helps you:
- Avoid school absences
- Catch dental issues early
- Reset healthy habits going into the new year
- Stay ahead of January’s schedule crunch
- Reduce the risk of cavities from holiday treats
- Start 2026 with healthy, confident smiles
Even if it has been a while since your last visit, that’s completely fine. Holiday break is the ideal time to get back on track.
Schedule Your Holiday Dental Visit Today
Appointments fill quickly during Christmas break. To schedule your visit at the Mena or Hot Springs Chippewa dental clinic, call 888-710-8220 or request an appointment online at www.healthy-connections.org.
Healthy Connections is here to help your family begin the new year with brighter, healthier smiles—and without missing a moment of school.
