Free dental exams, cleaning for some children on Feb. 7

Heritage Health’s Give Kids A Smile program promotes dental health for children without dental insurance by providing free dental services on Friday, Feb. 7.

The need is huge as an estimated 50 percent of Idahoans go without dental insurance, including children.

Give Kids A Smile allows children to receive free, in-depth exams that include visual and radiographic detection of dental disease and/or infections that may be present in a child’s mouth, said Heritage Health’s Dr. Hatta Clark.

“We will be focusing on educating the kids on the importance of good oral hygiene,” said Dr. Clark. “This will include teaching and demonstrating proper brushing/flossing techniques, advice on the frequency and duration of specific home care routines and stressing the relationship between oral health and overall systemic health. We are hoping this knowledge will help the kids understand the importance of their oral health and will help motivate them to use the home hygiene kits we will be providing to each of them on this day!”

Give Kids A Smile was launched nationally by the American Dental Association in 2003. Since then, more than 5.5 million underserved children across the country have received free oral health services.

Heritage Health is offering free exams and cleanings to children, ages 11 and younger, who don’t have dental insurance at the Coeur d’Alene Clinic. In addition to the exam and cleaning, kids can receive fluoride and sealants for free, if applicable.

To schedule an appointment call (208) 292-0697.