Free Dental Exams and Cleanings for Children on February 4th
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 30, 2012
Contact
Alicia Ekhoff, Dental Program Coordinator
(217) 531-4538
Amy Roberts, Public Relations
(217) 531-4264 /
Free Dental Exams and Cleanings for Children on February 4th
The Illini District Dental Society, Champaign-Urbana Public Health District and SmileHealthy Participate in Give Kids a Smile®
Champaign, IL – The Illini District Dental Society, in conjunction with the ChampaignUrbana Public Health District (CUPHD) and SmileHealthy, will be participating in Give Kids a Smile® (GKAS) Day on Saturday, February 4, 2012 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Lincoln Square Mall in Urbana. The event is part of the Children’s Dental Access Program through the American Dental Association® (ADA) that provides free oral health care services to children of low-income families.
On February 4th, local, private dentists and hygienists are taking the opportunity to give back to the community by volunteering time and services for GKAS and providing free dental exams, cleanings and fluoride varnish treatments to any child between the ages of one and 17. Custom athletic mouth guards can also be made for just $10.00 each from Noon – 2:00 PM. The oral health fair will offer a wide range of services and activities for everyone including: dental hygiene education; free toothbrushes; face painting; coloring contests with prizes; nutrition bingo; and appearances from Noon – 2:00 PM by Flossie from the Illinois State Dental Society, the Tooth Fairy, Delta Dental Tooth Wizard and the Twin City Derby Girls to talk about the importance of mouth guards. Appointments are not necessary; however, a parent or legal guardian must accompany the child. There are no income or residency requirements to receive services at the fair.
According to Victor Escobar, DDS, PhD, local oral and maxillofacial surgeon and Secretary for the Illini District Dental Society, “The goal of the health fair is to improve the community’s knowledge of dental health. We want to help people achieve a healthy, beautiful smile for a lifetime.”
According to Alicia Ekhoff, Program Coordinator for the CUPHD Dental Clinic, “The need for dental care continues to grow. Basic dental care is such an important part of a child’s overall health care. All children deserve the opportunity to receive regular, preventative dental care and restorative dental care when needed. No child should have to suffer with tooth pain.” This year’s event is prepared to serve 300 children with exams and cleanings.
Any child who is a resident of Champaign or Urbana with All Kids or Medicaid as primary or secondary insurance is eligible for general dental services through CUPHD’s Dental Division at 201 West Kenyon Road located in Champaign. Appointments are available Monday thru Friday; 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM by calling (217) 531-4279.
SmileHealthy is a local non-profit that provides dental care for underserved Champaign County children outside of Champaign-Urbana through the Child Dental Access Program and Head Start Dental Clinic. The SmileHealthy Mobile Dental Clinics provide dental care to children and adults in the County at any site with 20 or more patients with completed consent forms. Additional information on dental services in Champaign County can be obtained by calling (217) 359-7404.
For more information about the Give Kids a Smile® Oral Health Fair, please contact SmileHealthy at (217) 359-7404 or on the web at www.smilehealthy.org. Additional information may be obtained by contacting the CUPHD Dental Clinic at (217) 531-4279 or on the web at www.c-uphd.org. To complete registration forms prior to the event, visit CUPHD’s website or www.christieclinic.com.
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