FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Robyn Thaw (650) 573-3935
January21,2014 San Mateo County Health System
San Mateo County Offers Free Dental Care to Low-Income Children on Give Kids a Smile Day
County celebrates 10 year anniversary of Give Kids a Smile Day
SAN MATEO, Calif. – February is National Children’s Dental Health Month and on Friday, February 7th, San Mateo County dentists will provide free dental services to low-income children, ages 1 to 18, on Give Kids a Smile Day.
Give Kids a Smile Day is a one day event and residents are encouraged to call San Mateo County Health Coverage Unit at (650)616-2002 to schedule an appointment.
Several San Mateo County dentists will participate in Give Kids a Smile Day by offering free services, such as oral exams, cleanings, and fluoride treatments, to families with children,teens,and young adults who may other wise not be able to afford or access dental care.The families also receive assistance with health insurance enrollment.
For the past 10 years, San Mateo County Health System and San Mateo County Dental Society have been hosting Give Kids A Smile Day as a means to provide free dental care to local children and young adults who desperately need dental health education and treatment.
“Nearly one in four children, ages 2to11, has untreated cavities in their baby teeth,” said Dr. Gracia Cua, San Mateo County Dental Society.“Untreated dental disease is painful and affectsa child’s physical, emotional, and social well-being, and yet it is preventable through brushing, flossing, proper diet and regular visits to the dentist.”
Give Kids a Smile Day is a national event where nearly a half million children benefit from dentists donating their time to raise awareness on the importance of dental care, and to help parents who cannot afford proper dental care for their children.
San Mateo County Health System ensures that all children ages 0 through 18 years in San Mateo County have access to comprehensive health and dental insurance coverage. To learn about health insurance enrollment for children, please call San Mateo County Health Coverage Unit at(650)616-2002orvisit http://www.smcchi.org.
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A healthy body starts with a healthy mouth.
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