OHI Gives Kids a Smile — February Is National Children’s Dental Health Month
Several dental professionals at OHI (Ocean Health Initiatives, Inc.) are offering their services free of charge in recognition of the American Dental Association’s Give Kids a Smile program, now celebrating its 10th year. Children’s Dental Health Month focuses on raising awareness about the importance of dental care and provides oral health education to all children despite their economic status.
OHI is providing free dental screenings to children 12 and under, regardless of insurance, on Give Kids a Smile Day, Friday, February 3, 2012, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Dentists can see children at one of two locations: OHI’s Lakewood office, 101 Second Street or OHI’s Toms River office, 301 Lakehurst Road.
Because space is limited, appointments must be scheduled two weeks ahead of time. School nurses will provide a consent form and a medical history form, which children must bring to their appointment. Call the OHI Call Center at 732-363-6655 to schedule an appointment.
The free screening includes a dental exam, oral healthcare instruction, fluoride treatments, and free dental hygiene materials, such as toothbrushes, floss and toothpaste.
Throughout the year, OHI offers dental cleanings and full checkups, including X-rays and other screening procedures for children and adults. Dentists are available at the Lakewood and Toms River sites Monday through Friday, beginning at 8:00 a.m.; and on the Mobile Medical Unit April through November.
About Ocean Health Initiatives
OHI, a federally qualified health center (FQHC), with locations at 101 Second Street, Lakewood; and 301 Lakehurst Road, Toms River; and 333 Haywood Road Manahawkin, provides comprehensive preventative and primary care, including pediatrics, maternal and child health, prenatal, WIC, universal immunizations, and dental health to the area’s uninsured, underinsured, and undocumented residents on a sliding-fee scale, based on an individual’s or family’s ability to pay. OHIhas a bilingual staff available to assist patients and callers. To become a patient of OHI, call a representative in the Call Center at either 732-552-0377, Toms River, or 732-363-6655, Lakewood. Visit www.ohinj.org. for further information.