The American Dental Association held the first national observance of Children's Dental Health Day on February 8, 1949.  This single day observance became a week-long event in 1955 and in 1981; the program was extended to a month-long celebration known today as National Children's Dental Health Month.

The observance has grown from a two-city event into a nationwide program.  NCDHM messages reach millions of people in communities across the country and at numerous armed service bases abroad.

Unfortunately, more than 51 million school hours are lost each year due to dental-related illnesses.  Despite these numbers, many children still do not visit the dentist.  In addition, almost 50 percent of tooth decay remains untreated in low-income children, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).  To help alleviate some of this devastation, the American Dental Association developed the “Give Kids a Smile Day”. 

This year’s second annual ”Give Kids a Smile Day” is a volunteer program where the nation's dentists provide free oral health care services to thousands of low-income children across the country.  The ADA's "Give Kids a Smile!" national children's dental access day, during National Children's Dental Health Month, will enhance the oral health of large numbers of needy children.

Several of the dentists in Huntsville are participating in the program to assist patients with limited access to care.  A screening process is done through the schools to provide names of eligible students for the participating dentists.  This year Dr. Casey Frazier (our local pediatric dentist) was kind enough to coordinate the efforts and disperse the names to all of our offices.  Last year we were able to provide services to a great deal of children in the area in several of our offices.  This year looks to be even better!  The “official day” was February 6th, but will be done on a variety of days throughout the month of February in Huntsville.

Many children are without dental insurance coverage or available funds for care.  The Surgeon General's office reports that for every child without medical insurance there are 2.6 children lacking dental insurance.  Realizing it would be impossible for us to treat everyone with need in a day I thought it would be appropriate to let readers know some other programs that are available for access to care.

1) Federally Sponsored Programs

Medicaid is the largest source of funding for medical and health-related services for people with limited incomes.  In order to be approved and receive the funding, certain eligibility requirements must be met.  Log onto http://cms.hhs.gov/ to look up eligibility requirements for Texas.

2) State-Assisted Programs

A State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) is another option for uninsured children.  SCHIP is a state administered program and each state sets its own guidelines regarding eligibility and services.  Log onto http://www.insurekidsnow.gov/ for a listing of SCHIP programs.

3) Dental Schools

A dental school clinic is another option for reduced fee treatment.  Even though it involves some travel, Texas is blessed with three dental schools located in Houston, San Antonio and Dallas. 

Starting a child off early with good oral hygiene and preventive measures can go a long way to enhancing their overall health.  I can think of few things more heart-warming than the smile of a child!