An Abbotsford dental clinic is resorting to bribery to get kids to go easy on their Halloween candy.

Stephen Wall, marketing manager for Clayburn Dental Centre, said if trick-or-treaters give up their candy to the clinic from Nov. 1 to 3, they'll get money in exchange. The going rate for sweets is two bucks a pound, up to a maximum of $20 dollars.

"We're trying to promote oral health and cavity prevention," Wall said.

Hype around the three-day promotion has been greater than anticipated, he said, adding the media has been calling. But Wall isn't expecting thousands of kids to show up and bankrupt the centre.

"I promise we'll keep our doors open for three days, and then we may never open them again," he joked.

Wall is of the opinion few children would part with their candy. But parents' response on the clinic's Facebook site has been positive, he said.

Some predict kids won't give up all their goods but sort through it and cash in the stuff they don't like.

"We're very curious to see how this year will turn out," said Wall.

"If it's a success and it's something we can reasonably do next year, we will."

Kids can bring their Halloween candy to Clayburn Dental Centre from Nov. 1 to 3.

The collected sweets will go to the Abbotsford Food Bank, which will portion the candy out as special treats in their hampers.

RBaker@abbotsfordtimes.com

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