Volunteers to donate $6,000 in care to children at Fall Dental Screening Day
WEST ALLIS, WIS., Nov. 4, 2009 – An estimated 100 children from the Head Start, Salvation Army and Women, Infant and Children programs in Sheboygan County will receive dental exams and instruction in daily oral hygiene during this year’s Fall Dental Screening Day on Saturday, Nov. 7 from 8 a.m. – noon at the Midwest Dental office, 638 Riverfront Drive,Sheboygan.
This day of oral health care and education is valued at $6,000 and will be provided at no cost to the families by eight volunteer dentists, three dental hygienists and five dental assistants. A pediatric dentist will treat children with urgent oral health needs. Social workers along with Hmong and Spanish translators also will be available. Every child will receive a goody bag that includes a new toothbrush, toothpaste and dental floss.
Financial support and supplies are donated by Midwest Dental and volunteer dentists.
This 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, Sheboygan Area School District, St. Nicholas and Sheboygan Memorial hospitals and the Salvation Army.
This year marks the third Fall Dental Screening Day. The 2007 and 2008 screening days resulted in some 120 children receiving an estimated $10,000 in donated dental care.
“This charitable outreach helps youngsters comply with Head Start’s annual dental exam requirement, while giving dental professionals an opportunity to examine uninsured or underserved children, provide urgent care when necessary and talk with families about the importance of good daily oral hygiene practices and a balanced diet,” says Dr. Robert Darling, event coordinator and Sheboygan County Dental Society member.
The Wisconsin Dental Association was established in 1870. With more than 2,900 members statewide, the WDA represents 83 percent of all licensed, practicing dentists in Wisconsin. WDA members are committed to promoting professional excellence and quality oral health care. The WDA is headquartered in West Allis and has a legislative office in Madison. It is one of 53 constituent dental societies of the American Dental Association. The Northeast Region serves the counties of Brown, Calumet, Door, Fond du Lac, Green Lake, Kewaunee, Manitowoc, Marinette, Menominee, Oconto, Outagamie, Shawano, Sheboygan, Waupaca, Waushara and Winnebago. For more information on the WDA, call 414-276-4520 or visit www.wda.org.