Press Releases
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 7, 2007
Partnership Give Kids Something to Smile About
On Friday, Feb. 2, for the second year, the Knox County Health Department, the Second District Dental Society and Head Start have teamed up for Give Kids a Smile (GKAS) day, which provides free preventive and restorative dental services to children from low-income families.
"We appreciate the Knox County Health Department for allowing us to use their wonderful dental facility," said Dr. Susan Orwick-Barnes, dentist and GKAS chairperson. "We moved the event two years ago because we can see more patients at the Health Department."
GKAS day was implemented in 2002 by the American Dental Association (ADA) and supplier Sullivan Schein Dental, 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, originally housed the program in a smaller clinic that limited treatment to 15-20 children. This year, 34 children were treated at the Knox County Health Department dental facility, with some of the dental supplies donated by Patterson Dental, DenTek and Sullivan Schein Dental. The estimated value of treatment for GKAS day is $7,500. Since the program's inception, donations have totaled approximately $80,000.
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, has worked with Dr. Orwick-Barnes for several years to ensure all children seen on GKAS day have all the necessary signed release papers. Loepp also makes arrangements for Spanish-speaking interpreters to be on-site. This year, those services were provided by Cathy Speck and Lily Uzcategui.
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.
"This is a wonderful program and really fits the Health Department's mission to make every person a healthy person," said Dr. Steve Keeton, director of dental services for the Knox County Health Department. "We're pleased to be able to offer our clinic for such a worthwhile endeavor."
And treatment goes beyond the one day event. Children who need additional services are referred to private dentists who volunteer their services.
"We would like to expand this program from a half day to an entire day next year," said Dr. Orwick-Barnes. "With the strong community partnership that has developed between the Health Department, the Second District Dental Society and Head Start, we can give even more kids a smile next year."
The Knox County Health Department is committed to promoting public health practices that safeguard and improve quality of life for all residents. The Health Department offers an array of services ranging from medical and dental care, disease control, emergency preparedness, air quality management, environmental services, food preparation oversight in public places, special programs for women with children and much more. For more information on the Knox County Health Department, visit their Web site at www.knoxcounty.org/health/index.php.
