Dallas, TX: Every child deserves a healthy smile. The North Texas Dental Society (NTDS) and the North Texas Hispanic Dental Association (NTHDA), in conjunction with the dental hygiene programs from the Collin County Community College, Texas Women’s University, and students from Baylor College of Dentistry, will provide dental exams, x-rays, and dental cleanings to more than 150 children as part of the 2011 North Texas Give Kids a Smile (GKAS) program. Upon completion of their evaluations and preventive treatments, children will be assigned to a volunteer NTDS and NTHDA member to receive additional needed treatments in the respective doctors’ offices.
The GKAS event will be held Saturday, February, 26th at Texas Woman’s University (Denton, TX). This event is for children 4-18 years old from low-income families who need free basic dental care (including fillings, cleanings and crowns; for kids needing additional treatment, they will be referred to a specialist to continue treatment without cost). Families will also receive information about affordable orthodontic care in their area via Smiles Change Lives.
“Basic dental care should be accessible to all kids regardless of their family’s financial status and finding these kids a permanent ‘Dental Home’ is our goal for this event,” says Dr. Carlos Nurko co-chair of the 2011 North Texas GKAS program and SCL North Texas Program Chairman. “This year we are happy to offer information on access to affordable orthodontic treatment for qualified children.”
Families must register with their child’s school nurse to attend one of the events. Dentists, orthodontists, and hygienists across the Dallas metro are donating their time, services and expertise to help kids receive the dental care they need. But without the parents’ commitment to their child’s health a number of kids will go this year without seeing a dentist.
According to the ADA, “The Give Kids A Smile® program enhances the oral health of large number of needy children. Give Kids A Smile activities also highlight for policy makers the ongoing challenges that low-income families face in finding dental care.”
Kids who attend this event will also have first-hand access to information about braces. SCL is a nonprofit program looking for youth who meet the following criteria:
• Ages 11-18
• With crooked teeth and/or misaligned jaws
• Whose family income is at or below 200% of Federal Poverty Level
• With good oral hygiene
• Who are motivated to comply with program guidelines and treatment plan
A family’s financial situation can change throughout the years. A child’s oral health and social development shouldn’t be compromised due to hardships. Families, teachers, nurses and all who work with low-income children are encouraged to download an application at http://www.smileschangelives.org/apply for more information. Financial guidelines are available at http://www.smileschangelives.org/qualify. Applications are available in English and Spanish.
Smiles Change Lives (SCL) promotes and provides access to life-changing, essential orthodontic treatment to children from low-income families. With a growing demand nationwide, our vision is to provide access to braces for all youth suffering from crooked teeth and misaligned jaws. Since 1997, SCL has created more than 1,500 healthy smiles. With the support of 3M, our official orthodontic industry sponsor, SCL will be able to reach out to even more communities nationwide.
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Smiles Change Lives (SCL) is a national charity that provides affordable orthodontics (braces) for children from low-income families. We serve kids and families in all 50 states. For more information or to apply visit http://www.smileschangelives.org/apply
