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Dental school provides free care to kids as part of national oral health awareness campaign
Date: 02/02/2010
Contact: Sandra Shagat
WHAT:                       
The UCLA School of Dentistry will offer free dental care to infants and children up to 14 years of age as part of a nationwide service event known as Give Kids a Smile. The event is celebrated each February, National Children's Dental Health Month, to raise awareness of the need for greater access to care.
 
No-cost services will include screenings, cleanings, sealants, fluoride treatment and emergent/urgent care. Oral health education, nutritional counseling and insurance counseling also will be provided. Games, prizes and gifts will contribute to a festive, child-friendly atmosphere. No appointment or insurance is necessary. Children will be seen on a first-come, first-served basis.
 
WHO:
Student and resident dentists from the UCLA School of Dentistry will provide care under the supervision of faculty. Practicing dentists who are members of the West Los Angeles Dental Society and students from the dental hygiene program at West Los Angeles College and the dental assistant program at Orange Coast College also will donate their time and services. More than 100 volunteers will be on hand to serve an expected crowd of more than 300 children.
  • Dr. Francisco Ramos-Gomez, UCLA professor of pediatric dentistry, will be available for interviews in English and Spanish.
  • Dr. Ronald Mito, UCLA associate dean of clinical dental sciences, will be available for interviews in English.
WHEN:
Saturday, Feb. 6
  • Media hours: 9–11 a.m.
  • Event hours: 8:30 a.m.–3 p.m.
WHERE:
Wilson-Jennings-Bloomfield UCLA Venice Dental Center
323 S. Lincoln Blvd. (at corner of Rose Avenue), Venice, Calif. 90291
 
MEDIA CONTACT:
Sandra Shagat, 310-206-0835, sshagat@dentistry.ucla.edu