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WEDNESDAY, FEB. 10, 2016
Stockton Dental Center hosts annual Free Dental Day Information compiled by Tony Carton Editor
STOCKTON — Recognizing that children’s healthy smiles affect all aspects of their lives, February is officially designated as National Children’s Dental Health Month. A healthy smile promotes a positive self- image, functional oral facial growth, clear speech and proper nutritional intake. To celebrate National Children’s Dental Health Month and support optimal dental health throughout Stockton and our surrounding communities, the Stockton Dental Center hosted its twenty-eighth annual Free Children’s Dental Clinic on Feb. 6. “When I first came out here there were just a lot of kids we could have helped,” said Stockton Dental Center director Dr. Stephen Petras. “My wife started our Free Children’s Dental Clinic and over the years, we’ve kept it up.” Since its inception, Stockton Dental Center has provided free dental exams, x-rays, cleanings and sealants for children ages 2-14 that are uninsured. In addition, each child receives instructions on how to obtain a healthy smile. They are also provided with the tools necessary to obtain oral health; including a toothbrush, toothpaste, floss and some dental “treats”. “Not only does it encourage children to develop the practice of regular visits to the dentist and it gives them the chance to learn where they are missing and where they need to brush,” Petras said. “Dental health is important, so we provide them with brushes and instructions on how to use them best and we try to motivate them to maintain good dental health.” With the help of volunteer hygienists, dental assistants and office staff from both the Stockton Dental Center and the surrounding communities, Dr. Petras was able to provide these much needed services to children in our area. These dedicated professionals included: Mary Hill, Judy Hartness, Wendy Luke, Judy Davidson, Stephanie Jordan, Janet Dvorak, Danyel Steffes, Jill
Freese, Nancy Rice, Colleen Aurand, Teri Timm and Haley Collins. In addition, Stockton student, Natalie Freese, and Pearl City student, Trey Aurand, volunteered their time to help with the sterilization of instruments. Also, the folks at Stockton Dental Center gave a special shout out to Stockton Hardware for donating the use of dozens of folding chairs used throughout the center on free dental day Stockton Dental Center Financial Coordinator Jill Freese said they usually see about 50 kids during free dental day. “Dental care is important for children because even though your baby teeth might not have a lot of root they can be filled with decay that can get into your big teeth so it’s important to build the habit of visiting your dentist and taking care of your teeth,” said Freese. During the month of February, volunteers from the Stockton Dental Center also visit area schools to teach healthy dental habits and provide the tools necessary to maintain optimal dental health. Dental Hygienist Judy Davidson manages the education station during free dental day. “We provide a complete prevention appointment, with a checkup and cleaning and sealants if they need them,” said Davidson. “I have lots of goodies for the children during the education segment of their visit so they learn to practice good dental habits.” Davidson provides brushing demonstrations and teaches proper flossing techniques. There are videos and mouth mockups so the children can see the benefits of proper care. Tony Carton photo Your child’s healthy smile begins to Six-year-old Hanna Leitzen flashes a big smile after receiving a full dental develop before birth. If you are preg- checkup and a congratulatory thumbs-up from Dental Hygienist Colleen nant or planning on becoming preg- Aurand during the twenty-eighth Free Dental Day at Stockton Dental Center. nant, please ask your dentist for information on providing the best possible preventative care to assure Treat your sweetheart to a lifetime of dental health for your child. a special steak dinner!
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