Giving Our Kids a Healthy Smile 

(St. Lucie, County) - The Florida Department of Health in St. Lucie (FDOH-St. Lucie) continues to participate in the “Give Kids A Smile” (GKAS) initiative in collaboration with the Indian River State College Dental Department. GKAS, has become the world’s largest oral health charitable program and an American Dental Association (ADA) access-to care endeavor, designed to encourage parents, health professionals and policymakers to address the year round need for oral health care for all children. This year six local volunteer dentists and the HANDS Pediatric Dental Program provided free dental services to 43 students in St. Lucie County during this annual two day event. Children received a dental examination, dental cleanings, x-rays and any needed restorative care.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cavities are one of the nation’s most common chronic childhood conditions. When cavities are left untreated it can cause pain and infections that may lead to problems with the child’s daily activities, eating, speech development, playing, tooth loss and poor school performance. “In public health we understand, and we get it, as a result, we are expanding our dental program to offer a School-Based Sealant Program to the children in St. Lucie County. The new School-Based Sealant Program will assist in removing hurdles to access dental care for our children. Research has shown, that tooth decay is the most common and the most preventable disease in children,” said County Health Officer Clint Sperber.

To learn more about the FDOH-St. Lucie Dental Program visit: Dental Services or call (772) 462-3800.

About the Florida Department of Health

The department works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.

Follow us on Twitter at @HealthyFla and on Facebook. For more information about the Florida Department of Health please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov.

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