az grown GOOD TO KNOW
Dental visits can be STRESSFUL for parents and kids! Here are three ways to make them easier on everyone: 1. Read books or watch shows about going to the dentist. Just knowing what to expect can take away some of the stress.
Partnering to Educate Children on Good Oral Health
DELTA DENTAL of Arizona Foundation and Arizona PBS are partnering up to teach oral health hygiene to children in rural areas across the state. The statewide campaign will focus on the importance of brushing twice a day, changing toothbrushes regularly, and visiting the dentist twice a year. These free events will take place in Bullhead City, Flagstaff, Lake Havasu City, Payson, Safford, Show Low, Somerton, Tuba City, and Yuma running from February to August. There will be PBS characters on site, educational crafts, activities, and giveaways for children up to age 8. Local dental professionals will also offer free dental screenings and fluoride varnish treatments. “Tooth decay is the number one chronic disease among children and is nearly 100% preventable. By offering these free events with Arizona PBS, we hope to help families establish good oral health habits and recognize the power of a healthy smile,” said Michael Jones, president and chief executive officer of Delta Dental of Arizona. Arizona PBS and Delta Dental of Arizona will follow COVID-19 protocols recommended by the CDC to ensure the safety of participants. For a full listing of events, visit azpbs.org
4 Spring 2022
3. Praise your child – before, during and after the exam. No matter how well you think the visit went, be sure to tell your child what a great job she did. Let us handle the dentistry; you get to be the cheerleader. Remember – it will get easier every time you go. That’s just one of the reasons scheduling visits early and often for your child helps them have better oral health.
Dr. Lafe Chaffee is a board certified pediatric dentist in Mesa. He cares about making sure kids have safe, happy experiences at the dentist so they’ ll take care of their smiles for the rest of their lives. He uses laser dentistry to treat decay and release tongue and lip ties without the need for numbing and shots. You can learn more about Chaffee Pediatric Dentistry online at chaffeekids.com and on Instagram: @chaffeepediatricdentistry
Five Reasons to Consider
FOSTERING a PET
DID YOU KNOW that according to Best Friends Animal Society approximately 5.3 million pets end up in shelters every year? If your family wants to make a difference in an animal’s life this year, a good place to start is by fostering shelter pets before they're adopted. The Arizona Animal Welfare League, the first no-kill animal shelter in Phoenix, is asking for foster parents to offer their hearts and homes to their dogs and cats. Not only is it vital for these animals but it’ll also reap benefits for you and your family! Here are five reasons why fostering is important: • Fostering is healthy for your pets at home • It can determine if your family is ready for a pet • It gives a loving animal a break from shelter life • It provides affection and entertainment to both the pet and your family • You’re helping saving a life
NYNKE VAN HOLTEN
DELTA DENTAL and ARIZONA PBS
2. Schedule a happy visit. Call your dentist and ask when would be a good time to stop by with your child. No exam. No sitting in the chair (unless they want to). Just a quick tour of the office to say hello and get comfortable with the sights and sounds at the dentist.
For more information on becoming a foster family, visit aawl.org/foster RaisingARIZONAKids.com