Sheboygan Area Preschoolers Receive $7,000 in Donated Dental Care

November 4, 2011 – Approximately 90 children, ages 3 to 5, from the Head Start and Women, Infant and Children programs in Sheboygan County received dental exams and instruction in personal oral hygiene during the Fall Dental Exam Day on Saturday, Nov. 5 from 9 – noon at the Midwest Dental office, 638 Riverfront Drive, Sheboygan, Wis.

Twenty volunteers, including seven dentists along with dental hygienists and assistants provided oral health care and education valued at more than $7,000. Social workers, public health nurses and Hmong and Spanish translators were also available.

Children with urgent dental needs were treated. Every child received a goody bag that includes a toothbrush, toothpaste and dental floss. Financial support and supplies were donated by Midwest Dental and volunteer dentists.

More than 250 area preschoolers have received an estimated $19,000 in donated dental care through this local charitable outreach since 2007.

The event is organized by the Sheboygan County Dental Access Committee with representatives from the Sheboygan County Dental Society, Sheboygan County Health and Human Services Department and the Sheboygan County Head Start.

“Mass screening days like this should be a last resort to help families comply with Head Start’s annual dental exam requirement. We have been working to educate parents in these programs about the importance of good daily oral hygiene habits, healthy diets and regular dental visits,” explains Dr. Robert Darling, the event’s coordinator and Sheboygan County Dental Society member. “Ideally, every child should have a dental home where they can receive regular care. Baby teeth do matter.”

~ Wisconsin Dental Association – www.wda.org