For Immediate Release February 13, 2006

For More Information Contact: Sue Crum, 317-274-8135 smcrum@iupui.edu

IU School of Dentistry Is Key Treatment Site for National “Give Kids a Smile”

INDIANAPOLIS - Volunteer dentists, dental hygienists, and dental assistants from the Indianapolis area joined forces with IU School of Dentistry students, faculty, and staff to provide free dental care to underserved children at the dental school on Feb. 3, during the American Dental Association's “Give Kids a Smile Day.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly half of U.S. children ages 2-9 suffer from untreated tooth decay.

The ADA 's annual event, which is in its fourth season, is held in conjunction with National Children's Dental Health Month, and is managed locally by the Indiana Dental Association. The IU dental school serves as one of the primary treatment sites in Indiana , inviting dental practitioners from the community to come to the dental school to volunteer their services in the Pediatric Dentistry clinic. Many dental practitioners across the state also opened their own offices to help children in need.

At the dental school site alone, 56 youngsters received free dental check-ups, fluoride treatments, sealants, fillings, and extractions, as needed, and IU faculty member Dr. Judith Chin also screened 30 children at community sites prior to the event.

The number of children seen statewide this February is not yet available, but in 2005 about 2,200 children were helped in Indiana, and more than 500,000 nationwide. Hoosier dental teams provided about $250,000 in donated dental care during the event last year. ###