For Immediate Release February 1, 2005

For More Information Contact: Rich Schneider, 317-278-4564 rcschnei@iupui.edu

IU School of Dentistry Helps IDA 'Give Kids a Smile'

INDIANAPOLIS - For many low-income families, seeking a routine dental check-up or critical dental treatment for their children may be a hardship.

On Friday, February 4, the American Dental Association, the Indiana Dental Association, and the IU School of Dentistry would like to help through "Give Kids a Smile - National Children's Dental Access Day."

Volunteer dentists, dental hygienists, and dental assistants from the Indianapolis area will join IU School of Dentistry students and faculty to provide free dental care to underserved children at the IU School of Dentistry. Dental volunteers at other sites across the state will also help children in need.

More than 1,500 Hoosier children will receive donated dental services. Last year, more than one million children were helped nationwide through Give Kids a Smile day.

Children up to age 16, who are on Medicaid or who do not have access to dental insurance, will be treated. The children will receive dental check-ups, fluoride treatments, sealants, fillings and extractions, as needed.

WHAT: Give Kids A Smile

WHEN: Friday, February 4, from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

WHERE: Indiana University School of Dentistry, 1121 W. Michigan Street .

WHO: IU School of Dentistry faculty, students and volunteer dentists, dental hygienists, and dental assistants.

NOTE TO EDITORS: Parking tags will be provided to media in the main lobby of the dental school on Give Kids a Smile day. There's a small area behind the school where vehicles can park temporarily with their flashers on, but it can't accommodate many cars at one time.

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