Reason to smile

By: centraljersey.com
In response to your article on oral health in the Capitol News and Comment section of last week’s Windsor-Hights Herald, I would like to make the public aware of an upcoming event that addresses access toquality dental care.
"Give Kids A Smile Day!" is part of a national initiative to promote access to dental treatment for children 12 and under.
Administered through state dental programs that follow guidelines set forth by the American Dental Association, this program kicks off National Children’s Dental Health Month by providing free access to preventive and emergency dental healthcare to needy children. In New Jersey, the Dental Association works hand in hand with both the Dental Hygienists’ and Dental Assisting Associations.
The goal of GKAS is to ensure access to quality dental care for every child in America, regardless of their social or financial situation, and to educate children on the lifelong benefits of proper oral hygiene and healthcare. Registered Dental Health Professionals will be on hand to provide dental exams, fluoride treatments, x-rays, oral healthcare instruction, emergency care, fillings, and referrals for necessary continuing treatment, extractions, and oral hygiene kits.
Burlington County College (BCC) has hosted this event for the past six years. In 2010, volunteers including more than 40 BCC dental hygiene students and more than 35 licensed dental professionals performed 125exams, 110 cleanings, 100 fluoride treatments, 114 fillings, 14 root canal treatments, 12 extractions, 248 x-rays, and 155 sealants on more than 125 local children, for a total contribution of $61,735.00 worth of dentistry.
To schedule an appointment for this year’s Give Kids a Smile Day or for more information, please call 609-894-9311, ext. 1074.
For a list of all participating sites throughout the state, contact information to schedule appointments, and access to registration forms, you can go to the state website: http://njda.org/gkas.
Linda Hecker, CDA, RDH, BS, MA Director of Dental Hygiene Burlington County College