Give Kids a Smile Day Feb. 4 at Century Dental of Huntley
A nationwide effort to provide care to the young comes to the area.
Give Kids a Smile Day is a special mission in cooperation with National Children's Dental Health Month, which provides complimentary dental services to low-income children who are pre-qualified through local social service agencies.
Dentists and staff of Century Dental of Huntley are participating in the ninth annual nationwide program 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Feb. 4. Century Dental of Huntley, 10775 N. Route 47, will be closed to the public that day.
"The idea is get them (the children) familiar with dentists (and a dental office) by age 5 because they could already have dental problems, which could affect their overall health, eating, learning, speech, and sleep habits," explains Kaylynn Andree, director of the Give Kids a Smile Day for Century Dental of Huntley.
This could be a new experience for some children who may never have been to a dentist before. Therefore, each of the expected 65 children will be assigned a dental buddy, who will be their guide and support throughout their visit. They will be given a tour of the office and equipment, introducing them to the doctor and staff, and being with them during their dental visit.
Two-year olds through high school will receive complimentary dental services that day. Each will receive a dental exam, x- rays, cleaning, fluoride treatment, oral hygiene instruction, and nutritional counseling. If additional services are necessary treatment for further care will be done on site or referred to specialists: periodontist, orthodontist, or oral surgeon.
Since 2007, Century Dental of Huntley has participated in the national event. Participating from the practice will be dentists, dental assistants, hygienists, and front desk staff.
Last year nearly 50,000 dental professionals and volunteers, dental clinics, dental providers, federal dental services, health centers, public health centers, dental and dental hygiene schools, societies, and practices, at over 2,000 sites from across the United States are anticipating serviced over 320,000 children.
Children may have their photo taken with the Tooth Fairy or Bucky the Beaver, the ADA mascot, and will go home with a goody bag.
While supplies last, everyone will receive a like-new age-appropriate book, donated by the Huntley Area Public Library Friends Foundation, according to Pamela Kampwerth, Library Outreach Coordinator.
Attendees who are residents of the library district and do not have a library card may register for a card at the event. Attendees must present a current photo ID, plus mail with current address. Children under 18 year of age must have their parents sign to obtain a library card. Library staff will be present 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
All the professionals working that Friday, doctors, dental assistants, hygienists, and front desk staff, are volunteering their time. National and local businesses are also volunteering their services, supplies, or time to for ensure to bring a smile to everyone's face on children's dental visit.
Currently their are opening available for kids to come and get their teeth work done on a first come first served basis. To make an appointment for their children, parents can call Century Dental of Huntley at (847) 669-4771.