WEST ALLIS, Wisconsin--Approximately 90 children, ages 3 to 5, from the Head Start and Women, Infant and Children programs in Sheboygan County will receive dental exams and instruction in personal oral hygiene Nov. 5 during the Fall Dental Exam Day at the Midwest Dental office, 638 Riverfront Drive, Sheboygan, Wis.
Twenty volunteers, including seven dentists along with dental hygienists and assistants, will provide oral health care and education valued at more than $7,000. Social workers, public health nurses and Hmong and Spanish translators also will be available.
Children with urgent dental needs will be treated. Children will receive a goody bag that includes a toothbrush, toothpaste and dental floss. Financial support and supplies are donated by Midwest Dental and volunteer dentists.
Dental services program donates $762,000 in care
More than 250 area preschoolers have received an estimated $19,000 in donated dental care through this local charitable outreach since 2007.
The event is organized by the Sheboygan County Dental Access Committee with representatives from the Sheboygan County Dental Society, Sheboygan County Health and Human Services Department, and the Sheboygan County Head Start.
"Mass screening days like this should be a last resort to help families comply with Head Start's annual dental exam requirement," explained Dr. Robert Darling, the event's coordinator and Sheboygan County Dental Society member."
"We have been working to educate parents in these programs about the importance of good daily oral hygiene habits, healthy diets and regular dental visits. Ideally, every child should have a dental home where they can receive regular care. Baby teeth do matter."
For more information, go to www.wda.org.
To comment on this topic, go to community.pennwelldentalgroup.com/.
