Free Dental Day will be held Saturday, February 5 at Idaho State University.
POCATELLO — Idaho State University is hosting a Give Kids a Smile day for qualifying kids in Southeast Idaho. Children can receive free dental care on Saturday, February 5, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Southeast Idaho Public Health is partnering with the Idaho State University Department of Dental Hygiene, Pocatello Family Dentistry, and area dentists to provide a free day of dental care for children from low-income households or people who have limited access to a dentist.
Eligible children from kindergarten to 8 years oldand will receive a free dental examination and treatment. Treatment includes a thorough examination by a dentist, teeth cleaning, fluoride varnish sealants, and oral hygiene instruction.
“We have some flexibility with who is eligible for the programsaid April Sluder, oral health program coordinator for the Southeast Idaho Department of Public Health. “If they find any cavities, they’ll fix them for free that day as well.”
The social impact of oral diseases in children is considerable. More than 51 million school hours are lost each year due to dental disease.
“This day of free dental care is not just for children from low-income families, it’s also for families who have limited access to dental care or don’t have dental insurance,” said Sluder. “If you are unsure whether or not you are eligible, contact the Southeast Idaho Public Health Department.”
Families experience almost 12 times more restricted activity days than children from higher income families. Pain and suffering from untreated illnesses can lead to problems with eating, speaking and learning.
Each year, up to 400,000 children benefit from more than 1,500 events like these, all thanks to the efforts of 40,000 or more annual dental volunteers across the country.
This annual program, Give Kids A Smile, is by appointment only and will be held in Pocatello at the Idaho State University Dental Hygiene Clinic, 999 Martin Luther King Drive (Building #37).
Families with children in need of dental services who want to know whether or not they are eligible for Free Dental Day can call Dana Solomon at Southeastern Idaho Public Health at (208) 239-5256 to schedule an appointment. .
If you need more information, please call April Sluder at (208) 478-6314.
