With an aim to curb the rates of untreated tooth decay in children, the Indiana Department of Health (IDOH) is joining with partners to provide free oral health care and education to children across Indiana this February as part of National Children’s Dental Health Month.
The program, Hoosiers: Give Kids a Smile, is a collaborative effort between IDOH and the Indiana Dental Association, dental care providers, pediatricians, local health departments, Indiana schools and libraries, the Indiana University School of Dentistry, and others. Participating sites will offer a variety of services, ranging from oral health education and free dental screenings, as well as preventive and restorative services for children not covered by insurance, at events taking place in local clinics, schools, and libraries.
Locally the Argos Community School and Plymouth Community School Corporation will be participating in the event.
“The oral health of children is a serious public health issue, and tooth decay is one of the most common chronic diseases among children in the United States,” said Nelly Chawla, director of the IDOH Division of Oral Health. “Partnerships in programs like Give Kids a Smile are critical to ensure Hoosier families get the oral health care information and resources they need to keep children’s smiles healthy.”
An interactive map of local events and more information about child oral health can be found by visiting https://on.in.gov/GiveKidsaSmileIN.
Untreated tooth decay affects one in five Indiana children, with four in 10 having tooth decay by the time they enter kindergarten, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. While good oral health is a significant part of overall health and well-being, half of Hoosiers live in an area with a dental health provider shortage.
Visit the Indiana Department of Health at http://www.health.in.gov for important health and safety information, or follow us on Twitter at @StateHealthIN and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/StateHealthIN.
2026 Red Hill High School Homecoming schedule released
Farm harvest safety reminders for drivers
Southwestern Indiana fugitive arrested in Illinois after multi-county chase
Governor Braun proclaims Indiana Rail Safety Week September 21-27
City of Lawrenceville to begin hydrant flushing
Rose visits Lawrence County on district-wide listening tour
Lawrence County (ILL.) man charged with child sex crime
LCMH promotes Diesser to Lead Cardiopulmonary Nurse
IECC District #529 passes budget and district plans
Lawrence County Fall Festival entertainment rescheduled
Lawrence County Board approves moratorium on data centers; solar project moving forward
Vincennes Lincoln High School among those to receive banner recognition from Special Olympics North America
New solar project moving forward in Knox County
Lawrence Public Library is solid financial shape for the future
United Way of Knox County Day of Caring Set for September 17–18
Gov. Braun continues to deliver on promise to keep local governments whole during gas tax holiday
Indiana state forests to offer open houses
