Baby’s coos and babbles aren’t just cute: turns out that new research from the University of Würzburg shows just how quickly babies develop vocalization or speech patterns.

Even though your newborn can’t talk, in the first six months of life they’re well on their way to developing lifelong speech skills. According to this new study, during baby’s first half-year, the complexity of their speech melody (also known as prosody) is growing more and more complex.

photo: Cleyder Duque via Pexels

Kathleen Wermke, Professor at the Würzburg University Hospital at the Department of Orthodontics and Head of the Center for Pre-speech Development and Developmental Disorders, explained the research, “Every language is characterized by specific musical elements, which we call prosody.” Wermke continued, “We have found a clear developmental pattern towards more complexity.”

Researchers analyzed more than 67,000 sounds made by 277 babies in their first six months. These sounds included cry vocalizations, cooing, and babbling. The study found that the complexity the melodies in both cry and non-cry vocalizations increased from birth through six months.

There was a brief regression found around ages four to five months. Wermke explained, “During this time, infants expand their repertoire of vocalic utterances to include new components that interact with the overall melodic contour, namely vowel- and consonant-like elements.” The researcher went on to add, “This new developmental period evidently causes a temporary ‘regression’ in melody development to establish vocal development on a higher hierarchical level. Thereafter, the infant begins to intentionally imitate intonation patterns of the surrounding language(s) in consonant-vowel syllable sequences in babbling.”

How can the results of this research help your baby? The new vocal developmental model may contribute to the growing body of communication knowledge and could help scientists to create new therapies for children at risk for some types of language disorders.

—Erica Loop

 

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If you’re tired of finding ways to make your little monster’s candy disappear after the 31st, consider putting the extra treats to good use by participating in the Halloween Candy Buy Back program. With this program, kids can trade their candy for cash and Operation Gratitude will send the treats to our US troops overseas. To make the buy back process easy, we’ve compiled a list of Seattle-area dentists who will be buying all the sweetness back this year. Scroll down!

Seattle

Seattle Kids Dentistry

Seattle Kids Dentistry
Put on your Halloween costume and boogie over to Seattle Kids Dentistry where little ghosts and goblins 12 & under can cash in their leftover candy in the days after Halloween. Seattle Kids Dentistry will pay $1 per pound (up to 10 pounds per child). Kids can also earn an extra two bucks by coming in costume. Score! All candy collected will be sent to Operation Gratitude.

When: Nov. 1 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m.; Nov. 4 & 5, 2019 from 8 a.m.–4 p.m.

Seattle Kids Dentistry
945 Elliott Ave. W., #101
Seattle, WA  98119
206-743-8660
Event details

Keith B. Wong, DDS, MS Specialist in Orthodontics
Once again, Dr. Keith B. Wong will be collecting your unopened treats after Halloween. And this year, Dr. Wong will be teaming up with Rocket Taco on Capitol Hill for his annual candy buy back. Dr. Wong will be purchasing your unwrapped candy at $1 per pound for Operation Gratitude’s holiday care packages. Kids who turn in their unwanted treats will also receive goodie bags (think toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss and other non-candy treats). In addition to selling back candy, Dr. Wong is encouraging kids to write letters and/or draw pictures to send to the troops overseas.

When: November 2, 2019 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at Rocket Taco on Capitol Hill

Rocket Taco
602 19th Ave. E.
Seattle, WA 98112
206-457-5355

Keith B. Wong, DDS, MS Specialist in Orthodontics
1818 E. Mercer St., Suite 200
Seattle, WA 98112
206-812-4494
Event details

Eastside

Art of Pediatric Dentistry 

Art of Pediatric Dentistry
Once again, Dr. Yu Ong of Art of Pediatric Dentistry will be purchasing your unopened Halloween candy at $1 per pound (up to 5 pounds per child) the week after Halloween. For each dollar Art of Pediatric Dentistry pays to a child, it will match with a donation to the American Red Cross. All candy collected will be sent to Operation Gratitude. Note: all kids must be accompanied by an adult.

When: Nov. 1 & 4, 2019 from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Art of Pediatric Dentistry
914 140th Ave. N.E., Suite 101
Bellevue, WA 98005
425-401-1147
Event details

Lake Hills Orthodontics 
Once again, Lake Hills Orthodontics is teaming up with four area dentist offices for their 12th Annual Halloween Candy Buy Back and Food Drive. Kids ages 15 & under can bring their unopened Halloween candy, plus two canned food items to donate to Renewal Food Bank, the week after Halloween and receive $1 per pound (up to 10 pounds per child). All of the candy and food collected during this year's buy back will be donated to the Renewal Food Bank. As part of the program, Lake Hills Orthodontics will also make a matching monetary donation to Treehouse and will award one lucky winner a $50 Amazon gift card, so be sure to enter the raffle drawing!

When: Nov. 4 & 5, 2019 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Lake Hills Orthodontics
15446 Bel-Red Rd., Suite 310
Redmond, WA 98052
425-747-9210
Event details

Additional drop-off locations:

Redmond Kids Dentistry
16650 N.E. 79th St.
Redmond, WA 98052

Cosmos Dentistry
1515 116th Ave. N.E., #301,
Bellevue, WA 98004

Bel-Red Pediatric Dentistry
15446 Bel-Red Rd.
Redmond, WA 98052

Dr. Ellie Tabaraie Family Dentistry
1855 156th Ave. N.E.
Bellevue, WA 98007

Eastside Kids Dentistry

Eastside Kids Dentistry
Once again, costumed kiddos 12 & under can bring their unopened Halloween candy to Eastside Kids Dentistry's Annual Candy Buy Back during office hours on Mon., Nov. 4 and Tues., Nov. 5. In exchange for candy, kids will receive $1/pound (up to 5 pounds per child). All candy collected will be donated to Operation Gratitude.

When: Nov. 4 & 5, 2019 from 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m.

Eastside Kids Dentistry
8630 164th Ave. N.E., Suite 202
Redmond, WA 98052
425-968-2840
Event details

Sammamish Plateau Dentistry
Dr. Geoffery Chan will once again be buying back your Halloween goodies during Sammamish Plateau Dentistry's 6th Annual Halloween Candy Buy Back. Kids ages 14 & under (and accompanied by an adult) can cash in their treats for $1/pound (up to $5/child) and help support Operation Gratitude and its efforts to send treats to our troops overseas. Psst! Kids will also receive a spooky goodie bag with their cash. Dr. Chan is encouraging kids to draw a picture or write a letter to a soldier to be included in the care packages.

When: Nov. 2 & Nov. 6, 2019 from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

22725 S.E. 29th St.
Sammamish, WA 98075
425-391-5511
Event details

Mercer Island Pediatric Dentistry
Dr. Victoria Vu, DDS, MSD of Mercer Island Pediatric Dentistry will once again be buying back your sweets the week after Halloween. Last year, the office collected over 400 pounds of candy that was used in stockings and goodie bags for over 100 military families! This year they are hoping to break their record. On Nov. 5, kids can bring in their wrapped, unwanted candy to Mercer Island Pediatric Dentistry and receive $1 per pound (up to a maximum of $10 per kid). All candy collected will be donated to US troops/veterans and their families throughout the holiday season.

When: Nov. 5, 2019 from 8 a.m.- 5 p.m.

7800 S.E. 27th St., Suite 101
Mercer Island WA 98040
206-535-8189
Event details

North of Seattle

Richard Chan Orthodontics

Richard Chan Orthodontics
Once again, Dr. Chan will be purchasing your unopened Halloween candy at $1 per pound (10 pound max per child) and sending it to our local food banks. You'll want to make sure to dress in your Halloween costume because kids will also receive an extra dollar for coming in costume. All kids need to be accompanied by an adult.

When: Nov. 1 from 2 p.m.–5 p.m. at the Mill Creek office; Nov. 5 from 2 p.m.-4:30 p.m. at the Monroe office; Nov. 6, 2019 from 2 p.m.-5 p.m. at the Bothell office.

Richard Chan Orthodontics
3414 132nd St. S.E., #301
Mill Creek, WA 98012
425-599-1600

Richard Chan Orthodontics
19020 Bothell Way N.E., Suite A
Bothell, WA 98011

Richard Chan Orthodontics
622 W. Main St.
Monroe, WA 98272
360-794-340
Event details

Soundview Family Dental
Soundview Family Dental in downtown Edmonds is inviting little ghosts and goblins to their Halloween Candy Buy Back on November 4, 5 & 6. All kids are welcome with a parent or guardian. Drop by during regular office hours from 7 a.m.-3 p.m and Soundview will buy your candy for $1/pound; up to $5 max. All of the candy collected will be sent to Operation Gratitude for distribution to our troops at home and abroad.

When: Nov. 4-6, 2019 from 7 a.m.-3 p.m.

Soundview Family Dental
201 5th Ave S., #103
Edmonds, WA 98020
425-563-6360
Event details

ND Orthodontics
Once again, ND Orthodontics in Mill Creek will be buying back your Halloween candy at $1 per pound and donating it to our troops overseas. Dr. Darvish will also match the amount brought in and donate the dollar amount to your school's PTA. How cool is that?

When: Nov. 1, 2019 from noon-5 p.m.

ND Orthodontics
16708 Bothell Everett Hwy., Ste. 102
Mill Creek, WA 98012
425-379-6200
Event details

South of Seattle

Molen Orthodontics
Once again, Molen Orthodontics will be buying your leftover Halloween treats at a whopping $2 per pound (up to 10 pounds per child). Kids can also earn an extra $1 for bringing in two or canned food items and another $1 for wearing their Halloween costumes. Whoa! All candy and canned food items will be donated to local charitable organizations, military personnel overseas, local churches, outreach groups, and food banks for use over the upcoming holidays. Psst! Last year, Molen Orthodontics collected over 2,500 pounds of Halloween candy and 1,500 canned food items. They are hoping for an even larger success this year!

When: Nov. 1, 2019 from 2:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. at their three locations: Auburn, Sumner and Enumclaw

1110 Harvey Rd.
Auburn, WA 98002
253-939-2552

1771 Farrelly St.
Enumclaw, WA 98022
360-825-6578

16209 64th St. E
Sumner, WA 98390
253-863-0978
Event details

Kids on 1st Dentistry
Dr. Marta Becker will once again be buying back your Halloween sweets during Kids on 1st Dentistry's Annual Halloween Candy Buy Back. Cash in your unwrapped treats for $1/pound and help support Operation Gratitude and its efforts to send treats to our troops overseas. Psst! Dr. Becker is encouraging everyone to bring in letters and pictures to send with the care packages.

Note: This buy back is open to kids of all ages who are accompanied by an adult and there are no restrictions on the amount of candy you can bring in.

When: Nov. 7, 2019 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Kids on 1st Dentistry
33915 1st Way S., Suite 100
Federal Way, WA 98003
253-517-7780
Event details

Operation Shoebox

If you don’t have time to stop by one of these locations, or would rather put together your own care package, mail your candy to Operation Shoebox. Every year, Operation Shoebox sends tons of candy to our troops and they would be more than happy to take your leftovers this year.

Operation Shoebox
8360 E. Highway 25
Belleview, FL 34420
Online: operationshoebox.com

To find additional candy buy back dentists near you, visit the Halloween Candy Buy Back website and enter your zip code.

—Kristina Moy

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Your kids love trick-or-treating, but if you’re a bit spooked by the thought of them consuming their giant stash of Halloween sweets, why not let those little pumpkins in on a secret? They can trade their extra candy for cash! No tricks! Even more, they’ll be doing a good deed, because their wrapped treats get shipped to troops overseas. We’ve made it easy for you to offload the excess by finding over a dozen San Diego dentists who are hosting spook-tacular Halloween Candy Buybacks. Read on to find your local sweet spot to make the drop.

photo: Curtis L. Chan, DDS

Curtis L. Chan, DDS
Treat the troops to trick-or-treat candy and earn a little cash for your littles. Bring your extra goodies to dentist Dr. Chan’s on Nov. 10th with many other little ghouls and goblins. Amazingly, this dentist collected over 15,000 pounds of candy, 4,500 cards and letters and almost 500 beanie babies last year!

Date: Nov. 10, 3-7 p.m.
12835 Pointe Del Mar Way #3
Del Mar, CA 92014
Online: curtischandds.com

First Tooth Pediatric Dentistry
Do a boo-tiful thing and exchange your extra wrapped candy for treats Nov. 1-10. Not only does the candy go to support the troops overseas, but your little ghost can also choose a toy, gift card or cash in return for those sweets. Further, you’ll get $1 for every pound of candy with a max of 5 pounds.

Date: Nov. 1-10, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
2775 Via De La Valle, Ste. 103
Del Mar, CA 92014
Online: firsttoothsd.com

photo: U.S. Embassy Panama via Flickr

Warner Pediatric Dental
A ghostly gathering of happy teeth. It’s the 7th year for Dr. Warner Pediatric Dental’s candy buyback. Save the date Nov. 1st and support Operation Gratitude.

Date: Nov. 1, 2-6 p.m.
1443 Encinitas Blvd.
Encinitas, CA 92024
Online: warnerpediatricdental.com

Han Orthodontics
If you live in North County San Diego, we know ‘witch’ candy buyback to hit up: Dr. Han’s Orthodontics. Head on over between normal work hours, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. on Nov. 1st or 2nd. Your little pumpkin will get $1 per pound with a max of $5. Also, all kids need to be with an adult. Note: they take a break from noon-1:15 p.m. for lunch.

Date: Nov. 1 & 2
122 Civic Center Dr., Ste. 104
Vista, CA 92084
760-726-4790
Online: hanortho.com

photo: Clappstar via Flickr

Dr. Ellen Im Pediatric Dentistry
Join Dr. Im for Operation Candy Buyback on Nov. 2nd to switch sweets for money. Hurry in because they’ll give $1 per pound with a max of 3 pounds to the first 50 kids. Moreover, the treats go overseas to troops in combat.

Date: Nov. 2, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
13422 Pomerado Rd. Ste 201
Poway, CA 92064
858-679-6660
Online: drellenimpediatricdentistry.com

Marey Stone & Cathy Schlaht DDS
Bring your goodies to Dr. Stone’s and Dr. Schlaht’s 6th Annual candy buyback. Even more, the candy goes to support the troops (with Halloween candy) in Operation Gratitude. These dentists pay $1 per pound with a max of 10 pounds per kiddo (wow!). Also, just a note, fresh candy only, please. Meaning candy that’s from Halloween, not Easter or Valentine’s Day.

Date: Nov. 1, 5 & 6; 8:30-noon & 1:30-4:30 p.m.
8077 La Mesa Blvd
La Mesa, CA 91942
619-465-8077
Online: lamesa-dentist.com

Coronado Pediatric Dentistry
Join Dr. Dixon in the fun this year. Bring your wrapped candy to this local dentist and your half-pint will get $1 per pound with a max of 5 pounds. You’ll be glad for fewer sweets and your little has money to buy a treat.

Date: Nov. 7, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
875 Orange Ave, Suite 210
Coronado, CA 92118
Phone: 619-435-6655
Online: coronadopediatricdentistry.com

photo: MjZ Photography via Flickr

Scripps Pediatric Dentistry
Stop zombie mouth! For a buck a pound, Scripps Pediatric will take your extra wrapped candy. Even more, this is their 8th year buying back sweets to give to the troops.

Date: Nov. 1-8
9840 Hibert St., B4
San Diego, CA 92131
Online: scrippspediatricdentistry.com

Tom Keller Pediatric Dentistry
It’s ghoulishly fun! Bring your packaged candy to Dr. Keller’s in Encinitas. You’ll be supporting the troops while earning $1 per pound with a max of 5 pounds. Also, are you done with your little one’s costume? Then bring it in and this dentistry will donate it to Kathy’s Legacy, a non-profit that helps families and children in need. Your costume will get used next year!

Date: Nov. 1-7, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
500 Second St.
Encinitas, CA 92024
760-635-3478
Online: tomkellerpediatricdentistry.com

La Jolla Dental Care
Receive $1 per pound for your candy and a glowing light-up toothbrush at La Jolla Dental Care. All candy is sent to troops via Operation Gratitude. Candy will be collected at the office of Dr. Charles Briscoe. Note: candy must not be opened.

Date: Nov. 1st-Nov. 9th from 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
7737 Herschel Ave.
La Jolla, CA 92037
858-454-3221
Online: LaJollaDental.com

photo: Little Pearls Kids Dentistry

Dr. Ida Alfonso DMD
Now in their 6th year of hosting their Operation Halloween Candy Buyback program, you can send your treats to the troops in exchange for cash at Dr. Ida Alfonso’s Dental Office.

Date: Nov. 1-15
5814 Van Allen Way #205
Carlsbad, CA 92008
760-931-0144
Online: idaalfonsodental.com

The Super Dentists
All locations of The Super Dentists throughout the county from Chula Vista to Oceanside will be buying back Halloween candy. For every pound, one dollar goes to the child’s school and one dollar goes to the child. The Super Dentists have hosted Halloween Candy Buybacks since 2005.

––Nikki Walsh

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We’re not going to lie—we like a few mini Snickers as much as anyone but after the trick-or-treating is said and done we are left with a lot more than just “a few pieces.” If that mountain of candy is staring you down, act quickly. Throw it in a bag and head to one of these local Halloween candy buy back programs that will help you trade your stash for cash (and avoid the crash).

San Francisco

 

Curtis Raff, DDS
Dr. Raff is getting in on the fun this year back wrapped candy at $2 per pound with an 8-pound per child limit. Operation Gratitude will be the recipient of all collected candy.

When: Nov. 1-7, (except Fri., Sat. or Sun.) 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
1233 Taraval St.
San Francisco, Ca
415-564-7525
Online: raffdds.com

East Bay

Steven Nerad
Dr. Steve offers $1 per pound of candy, with a 20-lb limit. Gather your classmates and encourage them to donate, because Dr. Steve tracks kids’ schools and donates to the two schools who bring in the most candy ($250-first place, $100-second place). Candy will be donated to US troops. Check out more about the event here.

When: Nov. 1, 2:30-5:15 p.m.
1024 Serpentine Ln., Ste. 107
Pleasanton, Ca
925-846-3336
Online: www.UrKidsDentist.com

Alameda Pediatric Dentistry
Score $1 per pound of unopened candy at any of their three East Bay locations. All candy will be packed up and shipped to troops through Blue Star Moms.

When: Nov. 1, 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
2125 Whitehall Place, Alameda

When: Nov. 1, 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
1443 Cedarwood Ln., Suite D, Pleasanton

When: Nov. 2, 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
2923 Webster St., Suite 302, Oakland

510-521-KIDS
Online: AlamedaPediatricDentist.com

 

Peninsula/South Bay

Corso Orthodontics
Dr. Chris Corsa will be accepting candy from individual kiddos for two days (one day at each location). Buy backs are $1 per pound (max of 5 pounds per child).

When: Nov. 2, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
4010 Moorpark Ave. #105, San Jose

When: Nov. 3, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
6489 Camden Ave. #100, San Jose
408-409-1361
Online: smilebysanjoseorthodontist.com

Roy Dental
Kids get $1 per pound of unopened candy. Candy will be donated to overseas US troops via Operation Gratitude. Kids can also bring in a thank you letter or a picture to send to the soldiers.

When: Nov. 1-8, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
2950 Whipple Ave., Suite 9
Redwood City, Ca
650-200-1178
Online: roydental.net

Marin

Mill Valley Orthodontics
Take part in Dr. Ashraf’s 18th annual Halloween Candy Buy Back! Dr. Ashraf is offering a whopping $2 per pound of candy (maximum 10 pounds, candy must be wrapped). Candy will be donated to US troops.

When: Nov. 1-2, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. (closed from noon-1:30 p.m.)
141 Camino Alto #5
Mill Valley, Ca
415-388-2876
Online: millvalleyorthodontics.com

 

–Kate Loweth & Ana Picazo

That hum in the air? It’s the anticipation of every New York City child raring to hit the streets this Halloween. (Fair enough: strangers dole out free candy.) But there’s a dark side: sugar highs, upset stomachs, cavities. Candy buy-backs to the rescue! These cash-for-candy programs conducted by area dentists help you and your child unload some of the haul, with the bonus of providing care packages for eager recipients such as men and women in the military. Read on to see where your little goblin can make a sweet exchange!

photo: via Ruth Hartnup on Flickr creative commons

Brooklyn

Bay Ridge Family Dental: Dr. Souferian and his staff will be buying back unopened candy at $1 per pound. They will be happy to accept up to five pounds. This candy will be sent to our troops serving overseas.

When: Sun., Nov. 2
1 – 4:30 p.m.

Where: 8301 3rd Ave. at the corner of 83rd St.
718-921-0111
Online: brooklynfamilydental.com

Park Slope Pediatric Dental and Orthodontic Associates: There is no limit to the amount of candy your little one can bring in to the office Dr. Alan Azrak D.D.S., where kids will receive a toy for every pound they part with. Azrak is committed to the cause: his buy-back program runs for the entire month of November! All candy will be sent to troops serving overseas.

When: Nov. 1 – 30

Where: 131 6th Ave. between Sterling and Park Pl.
718-789-9733
Online: pspdental.net

 

photo: via Jeff Adair on Flickr creative commons

Bronx

Concerned Dental Care of the Bronx: Dr. Fensterstock, D.D.S. of Concerned Dental Care will take as much unopened candy as your little ghoul wants to bring in! He will pay $1 per pound, and sends every participant away with a brand new toothbrush as well. (The office also accepts joint gifts, in case your kiddo’s class wants to pool its stash for a big payday.) Candy collected is brought to girl scouts who make care packages for soldiers overseas as well as shelters for women and the homeless.

When: Nov. 1 – 8

Where: 55 E. Mosholu Pkwy. N.
718-652-7370
Online: concerneddentalcare.com/bronx-ny-dental-office

 

Manhattan 

Bronsky Orthodontics NYC: Bronsky Orthodontics raked in 200 pounds of candy last year, and the office is primed for a monster 2014 buy-back. The practice will be giving $1 for each pound of unopened candy, and will accept up to five pounds of the sweet stuff. You can exchange your candy for cash at either the Upper East side or Tribeca location. All proceeds from the program are sent to military overseas through Operation Gratitude.

When: Nov. 3 – 7

Where:530 Park Ave., #1G
Upper East Side                                                                                                                                                                             212.758.0040

15 Harrison St.
Tribeca
212-219-8660
Online: bronskyorthodontics.com

Perfect Smiles Orthodontics: Kids looking to get the biggest bucks for their Blow Pops should head to Perfect Smiles, where they are offering $3 for every pound of unopened candy brought in the week following Halloween. And, there’s no limit on how much you can bring in.  The office will be sending its candy overseas through Operation Gratitude as well.

When: Nov. 3 – 7

Where: 263 West End Ave., #1A
646-368-1819
Online: orthodontist-ny.com

photo: via slgckgc on Flickr creative commons

Queens

Silverman & Associates will be holding “Operation Candy Buy Back,” and they’re serious. The practice will buy back candy for $1 per pound, up to 10 pounds. Cash in for a whole week at either the Bellmore or Bayside location. All treats go to deployed soldiers.

When: Nov 1-8

Where: 2595 Merrick Rd.
Bellmore
516-781-9700

43-07 214 Pl.
Bayside
718-225-0515
Online: drsilvermanassociates.com

Staten Island

Dr. Phyllis G. Merlino, DDS: Pediatric dentist Dr. Merlino had a stellar buy back last year, and will be opening her doors again this year to accept candy overflow. Her office offers $1 per pound of unopened candy, and works with Operation Gratitude to send the sweets to troops overseas.

When: Nov. 3, 4 & 6; 3-6 p.m.

Where: 268 Todt Hill Rd.
718-761-2090
Online: drmerlino.com

Ideal Smiles Dental: Dr. Kluchman and Dr. Shtarkman have both worked in Veterans hospitals and are dedicated to supporting the troops, so they are especially excited to be conducting a buy-back program this year. The doctors will be giving out $1 per pound of candy exchanged (with a five pound maximum) as well as a goodie bags. All candy will be sent overseas through Operation Gratitude.

When: Nov. 1, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Where: 2955 Veterans Rd. W., #2G
718-227-7400
Online: idealsmilesdental.com

photo: via Rochelle Hartman on Flickr creative commons

Not able to make it to any of these locations? Don’t fret! Here are a few organizations to which you can directly send the goods:

Operation Gratitude: This is the most popular organization for the Halloween buy-back program among the dentists. Click here to learn how you can package and send candy directly on your own.

Any Soldier: This is a unique organization through which you get to choose what to send and to which soldier. Just search the Any Solder database to find servicemen and women who have requested candy, package it up, and send it their way.

Operation Shoebox: This organization has been sending care packages to troops overseas since 2003. Their volunteers ship lots of different items overseas year-round, with candy being the most popular around the holidays, especially Halloween. Click here to learn how you can donate.

Do you know of a great Halloween buy-back program? Let us know about it in the comments below!

—Katie Johnson

Instead of sneaking from your sweetie’s stash to help “manage” their sugar intake, consider putting the extra treats to better use by participating in the Halloween Candy Buy Back Program. This program gives kids the opportunity to trade their candy for cash, and Operation Gratitude the chance to send the treats to our U.S. troops overseas. To help saying sayonara to the sugar a bit easier, we’ve compiled a list of Atlanta-area dentists participating in the program.

Intown:

Buckhead Smile Center
Address: 2900 Peachtree Rd. NW Suite 209
Phone: 404-261-0909
Online: smilecenterteam.com

West Paces Family Dentistry
Address: 3193 Howell Mill Rd. NW Suite 230
Phone: 404-351-4000
Online: westpacesfamilydentistry.com

Midtown Smile Center
Address: 999 Peachtree St. NE Suite 700
Phone: 404-537-5224
Online: smilecenterteam.com

A+ Pediatric Dentistry of Atlanta
Address: 4300 Paces Ferry Rd.
Phone: 678-391-7453
Online: atlantakidsmiles.com

The ‘Burbs:

Don Harvey Dental
Address: 3155 North Point Parkway Building E, Suite 230, Alpharetta
Phone: 770-343-6565
Online: www.DonHarveyDental.com

Jones Bridge Dental Care
Address: 11925 Jones Bridge Rd., Alpharetta
Phone: 770-772-0606
Online: JBDentalCare.com

West Cobb Orthodontics
Address: 1690 Stone Village Lane, Suite 910, Kennesaw
Phone: 678-401-4321
Online: www.farrarortho.com

East Cobb Family Dentistry
Address: 2969 Johnson Ferry Rd., Marietta
Phone: 770-992-2340
Online: eastcobbfamilydentistry.com/

Kool Smiles-GA: Chamblee/Buford Hwy
Address: 4054 Buford Hwy. NE
Phone: 404-963-9584
Online: www.mykoolsmiles.com/

Kool Smiles-GA: College Park
Address: 5495 Old National Hwy.
Phone: 404-287-2205
Online: www.mykoolsmiles.com/

Kool Smiles-GA: Decatur
Address: 1756 Candler Rd., Decatur
Phone: 404-287-2237
Online: www.mykoolsmiles.com/

Kool Smiles-GA: Forest Park
Address: 4458 Jonesboro Rd., Forest Park
Phone: 678-369-8359
Online: www.mykoolsmiles.com/

Kool Smiles-Lilburn
Address: 4030 Lawrenceville Hwy., Lilburn
Phone: 678-534-7324
Online: www.mykoolsmiles.com/

Kool Smiles- Smyrna
Address: 2900 S. Cobb Dr., Smyrna
Phone: 678-905-0696
Online: www.mykoolsmiles.com/

kksmiles
Address: 1295 Terrell Mill Rd. Ste. 102, Marietta
Phone: 770-952-5200
Online: www.kksmiles.com

Healthy Smiles of Georgia
Address: 295 Rucker Rd. #160, Alpharetta
Phone: 678-762-0690
Online: www.healthysmilesofgeorgia.com

Smile Magic Dentistry
Address: 2880 Old Alabama Rd. Ste 400, Alpharetta
Phone: 678-240-2777
Online: www.smilemagicga.com

Pediatric Dentistry at Vinings
Address: 3200 Highlands Pkwy., Smyrna
Phone: 678-305-1090
Online: www.pediatricdentistryatvinings.com

Shallowford Creek Family Dentistry
Address: 3960 Shallowford Rd., Marietta
Phone: 770-993-6893
Online: www.shallowfordcreekfd.com

Kool Smiles – SW Atlanta
Address: 5495 Old National Hwy.
Phone: 404-223-5665
Online: www.mykoolsmiles.com

Kool Smiles – Candler
Address: 1756 Candler Rd., Decatur
Phone: 404-591-5665
Online: www.mykoolsmiles.com

Jones Bridge Dental Care
Address: 11925 Jones Bridge Rd., Alpharetta
Phone: 770-772-0606
Online: www.JBDentalCare.com

What will you do with your leftover Halloween candy? Share with us in the comments section below!

—Phebe Wahl

Photos courtesy of Halloween Candy Buy Back Program via Facebook