The University of Arkansas – Fort Smith will celebrate National Children’s Dental Health Month throughout February with free dental exams and cleanings for children 5 to 18 years old.
Appointments will be available on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Tuesdays from 8 a.m. to noon at the UAFS Dental Hygiene Clinic at 715 North Waldron Road. Appointments may be scheduled by calling 788-7270.
“We are excited to engage families in our community with the primary goal of improving oral health and ensuring healthy smiles for a lifetime,” said Dr. Virginia Hardgraves, Associate Professor and Executive Director of Dental Hygiene.
Upper-level Dental Hygiene students will provide services under the supervision of trained faculty. The free dental care will include pediatric cleanings, complete exams, x-rays, protective sealants, fluoride treatments, cancer screenings, and oral hygiene aids.
A grant from The Delta Dental of Arkansas Foundation will support these efforts, providing high-tech equipment to ensure UAFS students are able to provide their pediatric patients with the best possible care. The grant will also provide children’s toothbrushes, toothpaste and other oral health supplies to young visitors to the clinic, so they can continue their dental care at home.
“With tooth decay being the most common chronic childhood disease, it is important that children and their guardians are given the correct information to prevent decay,” said Abby Mussett, a junior dental hygiene student. “Through the clinic here at UAFS, our program enjoys being able to provide the necessary care and resources to help ensure better oral health for each child.”
“Education is key when it comes to dental health,” added senior Kaylee Purifoy, who said explained one of the most important aspects of the free cleanings and exams is the information students can share with caregivers about preventative care.
Patients being treated at the UAFS Dental Clinic will receive their care in new state-of-the-art chairs thanks to grants from The Blue and You Foundation and the Delta Dental of Arkansas Foundation.
For more information on Children’s Dental Health Month or the UAFS Dental Clinic, contact the Dental Hygiene Department at UAFS at 788-7270 or email teeth@uafs.edu.
