Gum disease, cavities and tooth decay is avoidable. Much comes down to brushing, flossing and visiting the dentist. The problem is many kids do to not have access to the dental health basics and are living in pain, having trouble concentrating in school and dealing with self-esteem issues. To raise awareness about the epidemic of untreated dental disease and increase access to oral health care, Give Kids A Smile is hosting a free dental clinic for those in need on Friday, Feb. 8 and Saturday, Feb. 9, 2019 at Saint Louis University’s Center for Advanced Dental Education. The local clinic is one of more than a thousand events taking place nationwide in February as part of the American Dental Association Foundation’s Give Kids A Smile program. Care is provided by appointment only. Patient registration can be completed through Friday, Feb. 1, by calling Give Kids A Smile at 636-397-6453.
The two-day FREE dental clinic is designed to meet the dental health needs of newborns through school-aged children up to 14 years old (8th grade), who are Medicaid-eligible, qualify for the free school lunch program or need dental assistance due to other special circumstances. Registered children will receive X-rays, professional cleanings, fluoride treatments and sealants, as well as fillings, root canals and oral surgery, if needed. All care is provided in a non-intimidating, fun-filled environment that includes an entertainment area featuring music, interactive games, face painters and balloon artists. Each child goes home with a free healthy lunch and smile bag that includes a toothbrush, toothpaste, floss and more.
“Thanks to the selfless dedication of hundreds of volunteer dental professionals and sponsors like Delta Dental of Missouri, Cardinals Care and The Orthwein Foundation, we have the capacity and resources to provide comprehensive dental services, completely free of charge, for up to 600 local kids,” said Erica Steen, executive director of Give Kids A Smile. “We want to make sure as many kids can gain access to this care as possible, so we recommend parents and other caregivers register now.”
The patient registration process includes the completion of health history and consent forms. Those who may need assistance coordinating transportation to or from the clinic are encouraged to reach out early. To learn more about Give Kids A Smile call 636-397-6453 or visit www.gkas.org.
Give Kids A Smile was founded by a group of St. Louis dentists in 2002. Two-day clinics have been held every February and October since then, providing a total of more than 16,500 local kids with $9.6 million worth of free dental care. The American Dental Association Foundation adopted the program in 2003 and has served as the catalyst for a nationwide effort by the same name that has provided care to 5.5 million kids. This February, there will be more than 1,400 free dental clinics, ranging in size and scoop, held across the nation with the help the help of 6,200 dentists and 57,500 other volunteers. To learn more about the national effort, visit www.ada.org.
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For more information, contact:
Kelly Harris
(314) 436-9090
kelly@hausergrouppr.com