Health Department offering Special Dental Clinics for Children in February
Published on 1 February 2023 00:00
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 1, 2023
INDIANAPOLIS –February is National Children’s Dental Health Month featuring the theme “Brush, Floss, Smile.” The Marion County Public Health Department is taking part in this month-long observance by hosting special dental clinics for children and youth ages 1-18.
The health department’s Dental Health program will offer the clinics at no charge for Marion County residents. All fees for the visit are waived for children who are not covered by insurance.
Preventive dental services will be offered such as exams, x-rays, cleanings, sealants, and fluoride applications. Children who attend a clinic will also get some dental goodies.
“Good dental health starts at a young age, and we want children to learn the importance of brushing and flossing as lifelong habits for healthy teeth,” says Tonya Stewart, D.D.S., director of Dental Health at the Marion County Public Health Department. “We are joining the American Dental Association (ADA) and the Oral Health Division of the Indiana Department of Health (IDOH) in promoting the benefits of good oral health to children, their caregivers, teachers and many others.”
The children-only dental clinics offered by the health department are planned for the following Dental Health locations. Services are available by appointment, but urgent walk-ins are welcome before 10 a.m.
Saturday, Feb. 4
Pecar Dental Clinic
8 a.m.-12 p.m.
6940 N. Michigan Rd.
317-221-7574
Saturday, Feb. 11
1650 Dental Clinic
8 a.m.- 12 p.m.
1650 N. College Ave.
317-880-0888
Monday, Feb. 20
Forest Manor Dental
8 a.m.-12 p.m.
3840 N. Sherman Dr.
317-221-3013
Monday, Feb. 20
Cottage Corner Dental
8 a.m.-12 p.m.
1434 Shelby St.
317-221-7397
Saturday, Feb. 25
Blackburn Dental Clinic
8 a.m.-Noon
2700 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. St.
317-931-4301
“Tooth decay is a common health issue with children and is often highly preventable,” says Virginia A. Caine, M.D., director and chief medical officer of the Marion County Public Health Department. “Children should see a dentist by age one, then get regular check-ups. Adults play an important role in establishing healthy dental habits in kids.”
Healthy tips for good dental health include brushing at least twice a day, flossing daily, eating nutritious foods, limiting the intake of sugary carbonated and acidic drinks, visiting the dentist for regular check-ups and cleanings, and wearing a mouth guard during sports.
For more information about the dental clinics for children in February, or other dental outreach programs of the Marion County Public Health Department, please contact Dental Health at 317-221-2329.
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MEDIA CONTACT
Curt Brantingham
317-221-2316 │ 317-525-7450
cbrantingham@hhcorp.org
