Free Dental Exams and Cleanings for Children on Saturday, March 8 at the Fluid Events Center in Champaign
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 26, 2014
Contact
Alicia Ekhoff Dental Program Coordinator (217) 531-4538
Amy Roberts, Public Relations
(217) 531-4264 /
Free Dental Exams and Cleanings for Children on Saturday, March 8 at the Fluid Events Center in Champaign
The Illini District Dental Society, Champaign-Urbana Public Health District, Parkland College Dental Hygiene and SmileHealthy Participate in “Give Kids a Smile”
Champaign, IL – The Illini District Dental Society will sponsor Give Kids a Smile®
(GKAS) Day on Saturday, March 8, 2014 from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Fluid Events Center located at 601 N. Country Fair Drive in Champaign. The event is part of the Children’s Dental Access Program through the American Dental Association® (ADA) that provides free oral healthcare services to children of low-income families.
On March 8, local 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 1 and 17. The oral health fair will offer a wide range of services and activities for everyone including: dental hygiene education; free toothbrushes; face painting; and visits and pictures with Flossie from the Illinois State Dental Society, the Tooth Fairy, and the Delta Dental Tooth Wizard. The Twin City Derby Girls will also be on hand to talk about their sport and the importance of wearing 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 Michael Ruffatto, DMD, local General Dentist and Secretary for the Illini District Dental Society, “The goal of the event is to create a fun atmosphere where children, and their parents, gain a greater understanding of the importance of good oral health. It also is an opportunity for local dental professionals to give back to their community. The need for affordable dental care continues to grow. Basic dental care is such an important part of a child’s overall health care, and 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.”
For more information about the Give Kids a Smile® Oral Health Fair, please contact SmileHealthy at (217) 359-7404 or the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District at (217) 531-4538 or at www.c-uphd.org. Follow event updates on facebook at Illini Give Kids a Smile 2014.
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