OKLAHOMA CITY- Oklahoma City Indian Clinic (OKCIC), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit clinic providing health and wellness services to American Indians in central Oklahoma, Dental department participated in Give Kids A Smile® Day on Feb. 4, 2019.
“We provided 40 children with dental health care during our Give Kids a Smile Day,” Monica McKee said, OKCIC Dental Director. “Over half of them received cleanings and all but one received sealants.”
The ADA Foundation’s Give Kids A Smile® program was launched nationally in 2003 by the American Dental Association to provide free dental visits for children. Thousands of dentists and volunteers collaborate at Give Kids A Smile® events to help provide dental care to underserved children. Today, more than 5.5 million children have been cared for throughout the nation.
February is Children’s Dental Health Month, a month to bring awareness to the benefits of starting oral health care at a young age. According to the Academy of General Dentistry, developing an early habit of visiting a dentist can prove medically beneficial as a child ages into adulthood. Early dental visits increase the chances of detecting minor problems before they become major issues.
Additionally, 19 fillings, one tooth extraction were provided, and 28 children received either a comprehensive or periodic exam and radiographs. The remaining patients received oral screenings or were offered comprehensive exams at a later date. At the end of the appointment, the child received a dental goodie bag to take home, which included a free spin brush to help keep their teeth clean.
“OKCIC is proud to partner with Give Kids a Smile,” McKee said. “This event provides our younger patients treatment in a fun and inviting way, and teaches the fundamentals of daily oral healthcare.”
About Oklahoma City Indian Clinic
Oklahoma City Indian Clinic was established in 1974 to provide excellent health care and wellness services to American Indians in central Oklahoma. The clinic staff cares for more than 20,000 patients from over 200 federally recognized tribes every year. American Indians can receive a range of services, including medical, dental, pediatrics, prenatal, pharmacy, optometry, physical fitness, nutrition, family programs and behavioral health services. For more information, please call (405) 948-4900 or visit www.okcic.com.