SIPH offers free dental care for children
POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI/KIDK) - Southeastern Idaho Public Health is partnering with Idaho State University and area dentists to provide a day of free dental care for kids.
On Saturday, Feb. 1 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the ISU Dental Hygiene Clinic, eligible children will receive a free dental exam and treatment.
Kids preschool age through 8th grade will receive a thorough examination by a dentist, and preventive services, including tooth cleaning, fluoride varnish, sealants and oral hygiene instruction.
Those who need restorative care will be referred to any of the more than 20 area dentists that are participating.
April Sluder, a dental hygienist through SIPH, said this opportunity is for families all across southeast Idaho.
"There are a lot of families that do not have access to care," she said. "There's a lot of families that don't have dental insurance or maybe they're underinsured, so that's who this whole event is targeted to."
Tooth decay in children can cause serious health problems, severe pain, problems eating and is the most common chronic disease found in children, according to SIPH.
To help prevent the impacts of tooth decay, the American Dental Association sponsors a national event called 'Give Kids a Smile Day.'
"Our developmental stages...are all very critical, especially starting those healthy habits when they're little and taking them to the dentist when they're little so hopefully they don't get that fear of the dentist," Sluder said.
ISU's Dental Hygiene Department, Dental Residency Program, Southeastern Idaho Dental Society and other organizations are partnering together to provide a learning experience for the students and accessible dental care for families.
"The ISU Dental Hygiene students also do face painting, they make buttons for the kids. There's a lot of fun activities. They make going to the dentist fun," Sluder said.
Those interested in participating need to set up an appointment with SIPH at 232-5256. Spaces are limited. If more information is needed, please call April Sluder at 478-6314.
