Want to ward off stomachaches or cavities from Halloween treats?
Then, drop off that candy to Fairlington Dental at 4850 A South 31st St. on Nov. 2 from 3:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. for his trick-or-treat Halloween candy donation to troops overseas.
Dr. Michael Rogers, a dentist in Northern Virginia for 19 years, started the program as a creative solution to combat childhood obesity and cavities. He has teamed with Operation Gratitude — to give soldiers overseas a taste of trick-or-treating this Halloween.

When did you first start collecting Halloween candy?
Rogers: This is the first year we’ve done it. But we plan to do this every year in the future.

What inspired you to start the program?
Rogers: The problems of childhood obesity and keeping children from getting cavities were behind starting the program. It gives the kids the fun of trick-or-treating without the obligation of eating all that candy. Plus, as an incentive we give the kids a $1 per pound of candy they bring in.

Can anyone donate candy or is just for your patients?
Rogers: Any child in the area is able to donate candy.

When and where will the donation take place?
Rogers: It will take place on Nov. 2 at 3:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m. at my office in Fairlington so the kids can drop by after school.

What was the process like to start working with Operation Gratitude?
Rogers: The process was easy. We just contacted Operation Gratitude and told them we were going to give them the candy that was donated to us.

Do you have a certain goal or number of soldiers you’re trying to get candy to?
Rogers: No, we hope to reach as many soldiers as we can.

Do you expect the economic recession to hurt the amount of candy you will receive?
Rogers: No, there are certain things that don’t suffer much in a recession. In fact, sometimes they tend to increase during a recession.

Do you have any family members in the service?
Rogers: Not currently.

Where are you originally from?
Rogers: I’m born and raised in California.

How long have you been in business?
Rogers: I’ve been a dentist for 19 years and I’ve been at this location in Fairlington for about 10 years.

Contact information: Dr. Michael Rogers, Fairlington Dental, 4850 A South 31st Street, Arlington; 703-671-1001; www.FairlingtonDental.com.