by Christi Mathis
CARBONDALE, Ill. — Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s Dental Hygiene Program is again hosting its popular annual “Give Kids a Smile Day” on March 1 to provide free, vital dental services to children.
The event is set for 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the SIU Carbondale Dental Hygiene Clinic, west of Banterra Center.
Free dental care for kids
The program provides a wide variety of services to children from infants to age 15 who do not have regular access to dental care. Included are cleanings, X-rays, sealants and fluoride treatments.
Dozens of students and faculty from SIU’s Dental Hygiene Program, along with volunteer dentists and hygienists from the region, provide the free care. The goal is to serve children who don’t receive regular dental treatment or have regular access to dental care, and the examinations provided fulfill the requirements for the state of Illinois school dental exams.
The program, which is part of the SIU School of Health Sciences, is in its 21st year.
Since its inception in 2003, it has served hundreds of children.
Sign up now
Appointments are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis by calling 618-453-8826. For more information, contact Jennifer M. McKinnies, assistant professor and Give Kids a Smile Day coordinator, at 618-453-8825 or jenn10@siu.edu.