CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (Chambana Today) — Children in the Champaign-Urbana area will be able to receive free dental exams and cleanings during Give Kids A Smile® Day on Saturday, Feb. 7, at the Parkland College Dental Hygiene Clinic.
The event, sponsored by the Illini District Dental Society in partnership with the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District and the Parkland College Dental Hygiene Program, will run from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the clinic, located at 2400 W. Bradley Ave. in Champaign.
Local dentists and dental hygienists will volunteer their time to provide free dental exams, cleanings, fluoride treatments and oral health education for children ages 1 to 17. New this year, silver diamine fluoride treatments will also be available as needed.
The oral health fair will include educational activities, free toothbrushes, and visits and photo opportunities with the Tooth Fairy. No appointment is required, though children must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. There are no income or residency requirements to receive services.
Give Kids A Smile®, launched nationally by the American Dental Association in 2003, is designed to improve access to oral healthcare for underserved children. Each year, thousands of dentists and dental team members across the country participate in local events, providing free education, screenings and preventive care to hundreds of thousands of children.
The Feb. 7 event is part of the ADA’s Children’s Dental Access Program and continues a local tradition of community service through volunteer-driven care.