By Christopher J. Hughes chughes@golackawanna.com
Go Lackawanna Editor

SCRANTON – For the second consecutive year, one area dentist is helping parents fight cavities while aiding local troops currently serving overseas.

Immediately following one of the most candy-filled holidays of the year, Dr. Scott J. Pettinato, D.M.D., F.A.G.D., will offer Pettinato Dental Care’s Halloween Candy Buy Back Program at his office, located at 821 Oak St., Scranton.

Pettinato, 42, of Clarks Summit, found great success with the program when he introduced it in his office in 2009, taking in 325 pounds of candy for $1 per pound. He said nearly 80 trick-or-treaters came to his Scranton office last year.

Working with the Pennsylvania National Guard and representatives from the Watres Armory in Scranton, Pettinato is able to send that candy to local men and women in the armed forces serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.

“There’s no question that the sugar in candy is one of the things that causes cavities in children,” Pettinato said. “With this program, everybody wins. It’s a win to get some of the candy back from the kids, and it’s a great, uplifting thing for us to be able to do this for the troops.”

Pettinato, who specializes in cosmetic dentistry including total smile makeovers and general/family dentistry, added, “The kids are where it’s at. We really enjoy having an impact on their dental health.”

He expects his sons Matthew, 13, and Cameron, 9, will be among those selling back their sugary spoils this Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.

While most children have to perform to receive their Halloween candy, either through telling jokes or singing songs, Pettinato said he hasn’t gotten that demand from anyone that’s come to his office yet.

“We’ll be ready and willing to fill that request,” he said, with a laugh.