The Erie County Health Department recently participated in the national Give Kids A Smile initiative which provided free dental care
to 49 children in the community, according to a news release.

Through this annual program, the health department delivered a total of $15,469 in no-cost dental services, helping remove financial barriers and ensure children receive essential oral health care, the release said.

“Access to preventive dental care is critical to a child’s overall health and success,” said Nicole Ziegler, chief health services officer for the Erie County Health Department, in the release. “By participating in Give Kids A Smile, we were able to provide nearly $16,000 in essential dental services in a single day.

“Events like this not only address immediate oral health needs, but they also help families connect to ongoing care and build lifelong healthy habits.”

Services provided during event:

• 49 comprehensive dental exams

• 49 prophylaxis (cleanings)

• 49 fluoride varnish applications

• 37 dental sealants

• 1 panoramic X-ray

• 27 two-bitewing X-rays

• 5 four-bitewing X-rays

• 2 periapical films

• 5 silver diamine fluoride treatments

• 1 resin restoration

• 1 two-surface posterior restoration

Give Kids A Smile is designed to improve access to dental care for children who may otherwise go without preventive and restorative treatment, according to the release.

Untreated dental issues can lead to pain, infection, missed school days and long-term health complications, the release said.

“Oral health is a critical component of overall health, especially for children,” said Peter T. Schade, Erie County Health Department commissioner, in the release. “Events like Give Kids A Smile demonstrate the power of prevention and the importance of ensuring every child — regardless of circumstance — has access to quality dental care.

“By removing barriers and delivering services directly to families, we are investing in healthier futures for our community.”

Dental sealants and fluoride treatments, in particular, play an important role in preventing cavities and protecting children’s teeth during their most cavity-prone years, the release said.

Early detection through comprehensive exams also allows providers to intervene before minor issues become major concerns.

“The Erie County Health Department remains committed to expanding access to care and reducing health disparities across the region,” the release said. “Community-based initiatives like Give Kids A Smile are one example of how the Erie County Health Department continues to meet families where they are and ensure children receive the care they need to thrive.”

For more information about the Erie County Health Department, visit https://eriecohealthohio.com/.