Senior citizens can receive preventive dental services through the Smiles for Life program at the Community Center at Mercer View on Oct. 19. Smiles for Life services are partially funded by a Washington Dental Services Foundation grant through the Washington State Dental Hygienists’ Association, in partnership with Mercer Island Parks and Recreation. Services include: dental hygiene evaluations, cancer screenings, teeth and gum evaluations, risk assessments, medical and dental history updates, personal oral hygiene instruction, nutritional counseling, educational presentations and financial and referral consulting — all for free. Other services, for a fee, include a detailed gum disease evaluation, routine and therapeutic cleanings, denture evaluations and cleanings, fluoride applications and tooth desensitizing. Preventive dental services are available every third Tuesday of the month, and seniors can attend a free introductory education class on the fourth Friday of each month. Appointments are required and can be scheduled by calling (206) 948-7355.