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January 29, 2008
DOH to commemorate National Children Dental Health Month Gov. John P. de Jongh Jr. will join Health Commissioner Vivian I. Ebbesen-Fludd to kick off activities commemorating National Children Dental Health Month at a 10 a.m. open-house on February 4, 2008, at the Charles Harwood Medical Complex. The department's Dental Health Clinic will conduct free dental screenings for about 100 students from Juanita Gardine Elementary School as part of "Give a Kid a Smile Day," to test for cavities and gum problems. The event will also be held February 12, 2008 for 150 students from Lockhart Elementary School at the Dental Health Clinic at the Schneider Regional Medical Center. Participants territorywide will receive gift packages with a toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, activity booklet and a Smile Certificate, according to Dr. Oswaldene Walker, director of Dental Health services. The schedule is as follows: Feb. 4, 2008 - 9 a.m. to noon, Room 1016 at the Charles Harwood Complex. A tour of the Dental Health Clinic will follow. Feb. 12, 2008 - 9 a.m. to noon, Dental Health Clinic at Schneider Regional Medical Center. Commissioner Ebbesen-Fludd said that "Give a Kid a Smile Day" is significant because children with tooth decay cannot eat or sleep properly or even pay attention in school. "Oral hygiene is also important because it can lead to periodontal diseases that can later lead to digestive/absorption issues," Ebbesen-Fludd said. Dental Health Clinic officials will also host educational seminars, offering Continuing Education credits, for dental health professionals and appear on radio and TV talk shows throughout the month to discuss the benefits of good oral hygiene. |
