More than 1,700 kids screened in Nassau County

The Give Kids A Smile program is a “national model” for oral health care access, bringing the dental profession and corporate sponsors together for the benefit of the nation’s children, said Dr. Mark J. Feldman, ADA president, expressing his thanks to the more than 200 volunteers who participated in the Feb. 1 GKAS event in Nassau County, N.Y.

More than 1,700 children from Long Island schools received free dental screenings and oral hygiene instruction at the event held in Nassau County’s Cradle of Aviation Museum and sponsored by the Nassau County Dental Society.

In addition to the screenings and instruction, each child also received a DNA-containing tooth print, sealed in plastic to take home.

Dr. Feldman, a Nassau County resident, called on legislators and policymakers to help the dental profession and its corporate partners ensure that needy children get the care they deserve.

“There is no reason,” he said, “why this kind of basic oral health care cannot be provided every day.”

About a dozen state and local leaders and legislators were on hand for the event, including Nassau County Executive Thomas Souzzi, who presented a citation officially declaring Feb. 1 Give Kids A Smile Day throughout the county.

Dr. Michael Shreck, event coordinator, noted that the day’s volunteers included dentists, hygienists, dental assistants, clerical staff, dental assisting and hygiene students, local high school students and many family and friends.

He said children identified through the screening as needing more extensive oral care would be referred to the local health department. Last year, he said, about 50 children were flagged for follow-up care.

Dr. Shreck said that he, too, like Dr. Feldman, hoped GKAS would spotlight for state and county policymakers “how important oral health care is.” He added, “Hopefully, they’ll get the message that we care, and they will care as well.”

Glancing around the hangar-sized aviation museum, Dr. Shreck asked, “How cool is it for kids to have their first dental visit in an aviation museum? We hope this makes it a really positive experience for them that they won’t forget and will carry with them.”

For complete coverage of the Nassau County Give Kids A Smile event, see the Feb. 18 print ADA News.聽