'Give Kids a Smile' in February
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January 20, 2013 |
This February, Idaho dentists and their
staffs throughout the state will be providing free dental care to
uninsured children whose families are unable to
afford care as part of the 11th Annual "Give
Kids A Smile" program.
Give Kids A Smile is a centerpiece program
during the month of February, which is National
Children’s Dental Health Month.
Dentists and their staffs volunteer their time
and services to provide cleanings, screenings,
treatments, and education throughout Idaho and
the United States. Idaho dentists treated more
than 1,300 children during February of 2012 as
part of the Give Kids A Smile program.
Nearly one in four children, aged two to 11
years old have untreated cavities in their baby
teeth, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention. Give Kids A Smile
contributes significantly to improving the life
of each child treated.
“Too many children in our state live daily with
pain due to poor oral health” said Dr. Jack
Klure, Idaho State Dental Association President.
“Give Kids A Smile is an excellent opportunity
for us as dentists to provide some relief for
many children that aren’t able to receive proper
oral care any other time of the year.”
In addition to the free dental services provided
through Give Kids A Smile, the program also
provides an opportunity to raise awareness about
the significant level of untreated dental
disease that occurs in Idaho and throughout the
county.
Good oral health is integral to our overall
health. For children, these preventive services
can make a significant difference in their young
lives and save money by helping families avoid
costly restorative treatments down the road.
Hundreds of Idaho dentists, in virtually every
community statewide, participate in the "Give
Kids A Smile" program. Appointments are now
being coordinated here in Idaho through the
2-1-1 Idaho CareLine.
To register an eligible child and get an
appointment scheduled, parents or guardians
should call 2-1-1. |
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