Knox County Health Department

Feb. 4, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Ranee Randby,
Knox County Health Department    
388-6186

Local Dentists Give Kids Something to Smile About

The word toothache is a misnomer. The intense pain caused by tooth decay or infection prompts most of us to seek immediate relief from a professional. But what if you’re only three years old? Unfortunately, thousands of children suffer from poor dental health and the consequences include poor eating habits, speech problems, low self-esteem and inability to concentrate on learning or playing activities. Unchecked Infection in tooth abscesses has even caused death in children. Low-income families are most affected, with 80 percent of tooth decay found in just 25 percent of children.

This Friday, Feb. 6, for the fourth year, local dentists from the Second District Dental Society will use the Knox County Health Department’s (KCHD) Dental Clinic from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. for Give Kids a Smile (GKAS) Day, which provides free preventive and restorative dental services to children from low-income families.

“On Friday, we’ll see only a small number of the many, many children who desperately need dental care,” said Dr. Susan Orwick-Barnes, dentist and GKAS chairperson. “Give Kids a Smile day is about raising awareness about the problem and getting people thinking on possible solutions. We applaud the professionals who are stepping up to donate their time and skills and encourage others to get involved. With more volunteer dental professionals, we could serve more children.”

Oral health is integral to overall health, yet 33 percent of children enrolled in TennCare didn’t receive any type of dental services in 2007, the most recent year that data is available. For families without insurance, dental health often isn’t a priority until the situation becomes a health emergency.

“So many people have had bad experiences at the dentist and pass their fears on to their children. Give Kids a Smile Day is a very positive experience and, we hope, teaches children how to maintain proper dental care throughout their lives,” said Dr. Steve Keeton, director of dental services for the Knox County Health Department. “It’s so important because oral health is not just a pretty smile; the mouth is literally the gateway to the body, affecting a person’s overall health.”

From GKAS’s inception, the Second District Dental Society has gone above and beyond the ADA’s program recommendations by arranging follow up care for children who need further treatment. Additional dentists volunteer to see those children in their offices.

During GKAS Day, which is always on the first Friday in February, each child receives necessary x-rays and dental home care instructions, has a dental cleaning and fluoride treatment, and is seen by a dentist who volunteers his or her services. Children take home a goody bag containing a new toothbrush, toothpaste, floss and a prize. Children who need additional services are referred to private dentists who volunteer their services.

GKAS Day was implemented in 2002 by the American Dental Association (ADA) to encourage dental societies, dental schools and practicing dentists across the country to donate dental services to children who might not normally receive treatment. The Second District Dental Society, which is the local branch of the Tennessee Dental Association (TDA) and the ADA, began its local program seven years ago (this is the fourth year using the KCHD dental facility) with enough dentists, supplies and clinic space to treat 15-20 children. In 2008, 32 children were treated at the Knox County Health Department dental facility, with donated dental supplies and doctor’s hours valued at $6,000 for the day. Donated services in private offices totaled $2,500.

Children who need dental care and aren’t covered by insurance are found through the Head Start program in area schools. Kelly Loepp, Head Start family specialist, ensures that all children seen on GKAS Day have the necessary signed release papers. Loepp also makes arrangements for Spanish-speaking interpreters to be on-site.

Knox County Health Department (KCHD) is committed to promoting public health policies and practices that safeguard and improve quality of life for all residents. KCHD offers an array of resources, including medical and dental services, family planning, disease surveillance and control, emergency preparedness, air quality management, environmental services, food preparation oversight in public places, special nutritional programs for women with children and much more. For more information on the Knox County Health Department, visit www.knoxcounty.org/health.