screen your child smile

Screen your child’s smile

       
  Partnership Allows Public Access to Free Dental Screenings
Although Americans will spend an estimated $60 billion on dental services this year, many children still do not have access to basic dental care needed to identify two of the three most common human afflictions: cavities and gum disease. Now, through a corporate alliance with Proctor and Gamble and a grocery chain with stores in 31 states, the Academy of General Dentistry will launch a free visual dental screening program to help educate children and teens about oral health and its connection to overall health.

According to national figures, cavities remain one of the most common infectious diseases among U.S. children, with dental decay affecting 52 percent of 8-year-old children and 78 percent of 17-year-olds. Almost 50 percent of tooth decay remains untreated among low-income children.

“We want to continue to improve the quality of life for children by preventing and controlling oral disease and surveying the oral health status of those that may not have had previous access to dental care,” says J. Nick Russo, DDS, FAGD, president of the Academy.

Oral diseases also can lead to overall health problems, as well as significant pain, disruption of eating and sleeping habits, overuse of emergency rooms, loss of valuable school time, and poor self-image.

Untreated tooth decay can affect a child’s capacity to succeed and lead to lasting long-term effects, says Dr. Russo. A rampant dental decay may cause some children to be too embarrassed to open their mouths in front of other children.

The Academy suggests parents find a dentist who can provide a dental screening for their child and possibly refer future services to treat existing oral health conditions.

Now through September 1, 2000, children under age 18 in 31 states can visit an Academy member for a free visual dental health screening. Under the program, consumers will receive a receipt for a free visual dental screening when they purchase any two Crest7 oral care products at an affiliated Kroger store, P&G’s retail partner for the project. A visual screening consists of a visual examination of the head, neck, and mouth for severe dental problems.

 

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

     

       

What is a visual dental screening?     

   

      The screening consists of a visual examination of the       head, neck, and mouth for rampant dental problems. The screening will not       involve dental equipment or other procedures that would cause an in-depth       exploration of tissues within the mouth. Standard infection control       procedures will be followed. No X-rays will be provided.      

The screening will be conducted by a qualified dental team. The team       will follow strict infection control procedures. For the majority of       children, the dentist will take a quick look with a sterilized mouth       mirror.

     

       

How can I participate?     

   

      It’s easy. Receive a receipt for a free dental screening       with the purchase of any two Crest7 oral care products at a Kroger store.       Then call the Academy’s toll-free number 877/2X-A-YEAR (877/292-9327) to       find a participating member. Use the receipt for a free visual screening.
     

       

How can a visual dental screening         help my child?     

   

      The majority of todays children are in good dental health,       especially when compared to twenty years ago. However, there is still a       significant percentage of children at risk for dental disease. Through the       screening program, dentists will be able to identify children in urgent       need of dental treatment. In those instances, parents may be advised about       the need for further treatment.
     

What if my child needs further       treatment after a visual dental screening?

If you think your child may need further dental treatment,       you could arrange to visit the dentist that provided the screening. Or, if       you wish to visit another dentist closer in proximity to your child’s       school or your work, dial 877/2X-A-YEAR (or 877/292-9327), toll-free, 24       hours a day, seven days a week. Operators can provide names, addresses and       phone numbers of up to three general dentists.
     

       

Participating states:     

   

  • Alabama/Kroger Alaska/Fred Meyer Stores
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  • Arizona/Fred Meyer Stores/Fry’s/Ralph’s/Smith’s
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  • Arkansas/Kroger/Dillon’s
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  • California/Ralph’s/Cala Foods Bell Markets/Food 4 Less
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  • Colorado/City Market/King Soopers
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  • Georgia/Kroger
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  • Idaho/Fred Meyer Stores/Smith’s
  •     

  • Illinois/Kroger
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  •   Indiana/Kroger/Jay C Stores
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  •   Kansas/Dillon’s
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  • Kentucky/Kroger
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  • Louisiana/Kroger
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  • Michigan/Kroger
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  • Mississippi/Kroger
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  • Missouri/Kroger/Dillon’s
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  •   Montana/Smith’s
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  •   Nevada/Ralph’s/Smith’s
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  • New Mexico/City Market/Price Rite
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  • North Carolina/Kroger
  •      

  • Ohio/Kroger
  •     

  • Oklahoma/Dillon’s
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  • Oregon/Fred Meyer
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  • South Carolina/Kroger
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  • Tennessee/Kroger
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  • Texas/Kroger/Smith’s
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  • Utah/City Market/Fred Meyer/Smith’s
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  • Virginia/Kroger
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  • Washington/Quality Food Centers
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  • West Virginia/Kroger
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  • Wyoming/City Markets/Smith’s