SLCC Host to Dental Clinic for Children
West Jordan, Utah (PRWEB) February 01, 2014 -- Every year, scores of underserved children at the elementary school level across the country miss classes because of dental pain and lack of access to adequate dental care or hygiene education.
That’s why nationally the American Dental Association holds its annual “Give Kids A Smile” event, which will be held February 8 by the Utah chapter of the ADA on Salt Lake Community College’s Jordan Campus. The event will take place all day in the College’s Dental Hygiene Clinic at the campus’ High Technology Center.
In partnership with the Utah Public Health Department, Utah Dental Association and the University of Utah, underserved children are preregistered for the free clinic. Dental hygiene students, faculty and licensed professional dentists will serve approximately 300 children with screenings, X-rays, a fluoride treatment, sealant, dental cleaning, and restorative work, including fillings and extractions.
“To the children it means we can give them something to smile about,” said SLCC Dental Hygiene Program Director Lynne Berman. “It gives them confidence. Some of them are embarrassed to smile. And it promotes better oral hygiene for their future. They get a second chance at turning things around.”
Berman said the children served by the clinic are identified through Title IV schools where many families might be uninsured and underserved. During the clinics children receive hygiene instructions that Berman said are intended to last a lifetime.
Stephen Speckman, Salt Lake Community College, +1 (801) 957-5076, [email protected]
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