PHD offering teens free dental screenings

December 10, 2011

This holiday season the Panhandle Health District (PHD) will give teens from low-income families the gift of a free dental screening on Thursday, Dec. 15, from 2:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the PHD office, 8500 N. Atlas Rd. in Hayden. PHD dental hygienists also will provide teens with free fluoride varnish, dental sealants, referrals and education at its Second Annual Teen Dental Party. The package of services provided typically costs as much as $400. Cyndi Linna, a nurse with the Post Falls School District, participated in last year’s dental party and is easily finding teens to sign up for this year’s event. “There are so many families struggling to make it this year,” she says. “They don’t have dental coverage and their dental needs are the hardest to fill.” Plus, teens who participated last year told Linna the event was fun and made them feel special with all the extras provided. Local businesses again have donated door prizes for participants and PHD has asked local dentists to provide vouchers for follow-up dental cleanings and restorative care. Teens will take home toothpaste, floss and an electric toothbrush with batteries. Appointments are necessary. Call 415-5143 to schedule an appointment by 5 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 14. A signature of consent for treatment by a parent or guardian is required. Consent forms are available from school nurses. Consent forms also will be available at the dental party or parents can arrange to have them e-mailed to them when they make appointments for their teens. Dental sealants are a plastic material that is painted onto the chewing surfaces of permanent molar teeth. The sealants reduce the risk of cavities occurring on the chewing surfaces of the teeth. Fluoride varnish is a liquid coating applied to the teeth with a brush. It dries instantly and provides a protective coating of fluoride that’s released over several months. The fluoride strengthens teeth and helps prevent decay. The Second Annual Teen Dental party will include tooth-friendly snacks. For information, call (208) 415-5143.