GKAS message goes out to television audiences nationwide

Albuquerque, N.M.鈥擳elevision news stations throughout the country yesterday morning told listeners about today’s Give Kids A Smile programs鈥攕lated to provide free dental services to a half million children from low income families from coast to coast.

“Too many children in this country lack access to oral health care,” Dr. John S. Findley, president-elect of the American Dental Association, explained in an ADA satellite media tour in Albuquerque. “We need to change that.”

Dr. Darlene Sorrell, director of clinical services at the Albuquerque Indian Health Service Dental Clinic, joined Dr. Findley’s efforts to raise awareness about the need for children’s access to dental care.

“Give Kids A Smile Programs are an opportunity for both public and private dentists to come together as a dental community to prevent tooth decay and promote good oral health,” said Dr. Sorrell.

While dental caries is the most common chronic disease affecting American children and on the rise among preschoolers, the problem is even worse among American Indians. The Indian Health Service reports some 80 percent of children ages two-to-four in its populations have a history of tooth decay.聽

“By working together鈥攈ealth care providers, legislators and parents鈥攚e can prevent this disease, the most chronic disease affecting American children,” Dr. Findley said. “It’s all preventable.”

During the national news interviews, which included such top markets as Chicago, Boston and Washington, Dr. Sorrell emphasized to parents the importance of early dental office visits for children.

“The first dental visit should be when a child gets his or her first tooth, by age one. ” said Dr. Sorrell. “At that point the child doesn’t have any cavities and has a good dental office experience to build upon.”