Clark Dental Hygiene students offer free dental care to kids
Can you pass this quiz?
True or false:
- Cavities (tooth decay) are the most common chronic disease of childhood, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- Tooth decay is preventable.
- February is National Dental Health Month.
- Clark College’s Dental Hygiene program holds a free dental care day for children in our community every February.
If you answered “true” to all the above questions, you are right.
Were you shocked that question #1 was true? Untreated cavities can cause pain and infections that could lead to problems with eating, speaking, playing, and learning. Research shows that children who have poor oral health often miss more school and receive lower grades than children who don’t.
Please help spread the word about Clark’s free dental health clinic for children.
What: Free children’s dental health clinic
Who: Children ages 4 to 17
Presented by: Clark’s Dental Hygiene department
When: Saturday, Feb. 3 from 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
Where: Firstenburg Dental Hygiene Education and Care Center, Health Sciences Building
Cost: Free!
Make an appointment: Call the dental hygiene business office: 360-992-2158.
Address to navigate to Health Sciences building: 2232 E. Reserve Street, Vancouver
Closest parking: Brown Lot 1
The college’s dental hygiene students will provide free care under the direct supervision of licensed dental hygienists and dentists. Services will include cleanings, sealants, x-rays, doctor’s exams, fluoride, and select emergency treatments for children ages 4 to 17, regardless of insurance.
Kristi Taylor, program director of Clark’s dental hygiene department, said, “We are excited to offer our annual free children’s dental health day for children in our community between the ages of 4 to 17. If you have or know any children who would benefit from a free cleaning and exam, this would be a great opportunity for them. Call and schedule an appointment before the slots fill up.”
About Clark College’s Dental Hygiene program and clinic
The Clark College dental hygiene program is nationally recognized for excellence and highly regarded by dental professionals in the region. The Firstenburg Dental Hygiene Education and Care Center, located on the college’s main campus, offers affordable dental care for more than 2,000 patients annually. The center features modern technology and equipment to ensure quality care for patients. Patients in the Vancouver/Portland area receive high-quality, low-cost care from Clark College dental hygiene students under the direct supervision of licensed dental hygienists and dentists. Available time for patient treatment varies from term to term. Clinic days are Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday. Learn more about the clinic.
Photo: Clark College/Nick Bremmer
