WEDNESDAY, Feb. 4, 2004 (HealthDayNews) -- Free dental services will be given to underserved children in the United States as part of the American Dental Association's Give Kids a Smile/National Children's Dental Access Day on Feb. 6.
On that day, more than 35,000 dental professionals will be at more than 2,150 sites across the country. Events will include: large-scale dental clinics providing free fillings, cleanings and fluoride treatments; groups of dentists in their private practices offering care to underserved children; and individual dentists giving education and screening programs in a variety of locations.
The day is a way to call national attention to the silent epidemic of dental diseases in children that can hamper their eating, sleeping and ability to pay attention in school. The U.S. Surgeon General says tooth decay is the single most common chronic childhood disease.
During last year's event, about 1 million children received more than $100 million worth of education, screening, preventive and comprehensive dental treatment.
More information
Here's where you can learn more about Give Kids a Smile Day.
