|
PHD offering teens free dental
screenings |
|
December 10, 2011 |
This holiday season the Panhandle Health
District (PHD) will give teens from low-income
families the gift of a free dental screening on
Thursday, Dec. 15, from 2:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
at the PHD office, 8500 N. Atlas Rd. in Hayden.
PHD dental hygienists also will provide teens
with free fluoride varnish, dental sealants,
referrals and education at its Second Annual
Teen Dental Party. The package of services
provided typically costs as much as $400.
Cyndi Linna, a nurse with the Post Falls School
District, participated in last year’s dental
party and is easily finding teens to sign up for
this year’s event.
“There are so many families struggling to make
it this year,” she says. “They don’t have dental
coverage and their dental needs are the hardest
to fill.”
Plus, teens who participated last year told
Linna the event was fun and made them feel
special with all the extras provided. Local
businesses again have donated door prizes for
participants and PHD has asked local dentists to
provide vouchers for follow-up dental cleanings
and restorative care. Teens will take home
toothpaste, floss and an electric toothbrush
with batteries.
Appointments are necessary. Call 415-5143 to
schedule an appointment by 5 p.m. Wednesday,
Dec. 14. A signature of consent for treatment by
a parent or guardian is required. Consent forms
are available from school nurses. Consent forms
also will be available at the dental party or
parents can arrange to have them e-mailed to
them when they make appointments for their
teens.
Dental sealants are a plastic material that is
painted onto the chewing surfaces of permanent
molar teeth. The sealants reduce the risk of
cavities occurring on the chewing surfaces of
the teeth.
Fluoride varnish is a liquid coating applied to
the teeth with a brush. It dries instantly and
provides a protective coating of fluoride that’s
released over several months. The fluoride
strengthens teeth and helps prevent decay.
The Second Annual Teen Dental party will include
tooth-friendly snacks. For information, call
(208) 415-5143. |
|
Questions or comments? Click
here to
email! |
|
|
|
|
