SIU is offering local children free dental care in clinics this summer

May 26, 2021

SIU is offering local children free dental care in clinics this summer

by Christi Mathis

To note:
The 2021 summer dental clinic schedule has been reviewed and updated since the publication of this article. Please see the updated article at https://news.siu.edu/2021/06/061021-SIU-announces-updated-schedule-for-free-summer-dental-clinics-for-children.php. Check the program website or SIU Dental Hygiene Clinic Facebook page for further updates.

CARBONDALE, Ill. – Children across the region will be able to benefit from free preventive dental services this summer at a variety of locations and on different dates through Southern Illinois University’s Carbondale Dental Sealant Grant program.

Under current Illinois COVID-19 safety measures, masks must be worn and social distancing will be practiced.

The exams will meet the state requirements for the school

Participating children will receive fluoride examinations and treatments. The exams meet state requirements for children entering kindergarten, second, sixth and ninth grades in the fall.

Although participation is free, children who are members of the “AllKids” program must bring their medical card.

No appointment necessary

There will be 14 clinics for children aged 3 to 17. Each will take place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. but participants must arrive before 1:30 p.m. to be seen.

Children receive care on a first come, first served basis and appointments are not necessary. Senior dental hygiene students provide the services.

Visit one of the clinic’s multiple options

The dates and locations of the clinic are:

• June 17 – Murphysboro: Youth and Recreation Center, 1818 W. Walnut St.
• June 18 – Murphysboro: Jackson County Department of Health, 415 Health Department Road.
• June 24 – Pinckneyville: Perry County Health Unit, 907 S. Main St.
• June 25 – Marion: Franklin-Williamson Bi-County Health Department, 8160 Express Drive.
• July, 1st – Pinckneyville: Perry County Health Unit, 907 S. Main St.
• July 2nd – Murphysboro: Jackson County Department of Health, 415 Health Department Road.
• July 8 – Cobden: First Baptist Church, 200 S. Walker St.
• July 9th – Marion: Franklin-Williamson Bi-County Health Department, 8160 Express Drive.
• July 15th – Pinckneyville: Perry County Health Unit, 907 S. Main St.
• July 16 – Murphysboro: Jackson County Department of Health, 415 Health Department Road.
• 22nd of July – Curved on: Franklin-Williamson Bi-County Health Department, 403 E. Park St.
• July 23 – Carbondale: Faith Temple Church, 604 N. Marion St.
• July 29 – Pinckneyville: Perry County Health Unit, 907 S. Main St.
• July 30 – Murphysboro: Murphysboro Summer Lunch at Murphysboro High School, 50 Blackwood Drive.

For more information, contact the SIU Dental Sealant Grants Program Manager / Site Coordinator’s Office at 618-453-8880.