Medical center to host 'Give Kids a Smile Day'
Program designed to provide free dental care to children

LONG BRANCH - Monmouth Medical Center's Dental Residency Program will host its third annual "Give Kids a Smile Day" in the Monmouth Family Health Center Dental Center on Friday, Feb. 2, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The program is sponsored by the American Dental Association and the New Jersey Dental Association to provide free dental care to underserved children.

The residents, staff and faculty will provide free dental exams, cleanings, fluoride treatments, and dental sealants along with interactive oral hygiene instructions. Parents interested in having their children participate in this annual program should call (732) 923-6585 to set up an appointment.

According to the American Dental Association, "Give Kids a Smile Day" has two objectives: to help children get the dental care they need; and to raise awareness that children deserve a better health-care system that addresses their dental health.

Since the program's inception in 2002, it has grown exponentially and in 2006 more than 500,000 children nationwide received free dental care at nearly 2,000 different locations. Last year more than 27,000 dental team volunteers and 12,000 dentists provided free services to underserved children.

"Give Kids A Smile" is an annual centerpiece to National Children's Dental Health Month, which focuses on providing oral health education, in addition to preventative and restorative care, to low-income children who do not have access to regular dental care.