PANAMA CITY — Gulf Coast State College will celebrate National Children’s Dental Health Month with free dental care for kids.
The school’s dental hygiene program will host “Kidz Klinic” Feb. 16-19 at its clinic. The Student American Dental Hygienist’s Association (SADHA) at the college will offer free appointments, including exams, cleanings, oral hygiene instruction and any necessary X-rays to children ages 3-12.
This year, the dental assisting program will join the SADHA to provide free sealants Feb. 20 for those who qualify, officials said.
With Kidz Klinic, the school hopes to raise awareness of oral health and provide an opportunity for children to receive dental care at no cost to their families. It is designed to be a fun, non-intimidating experience for children to learn how to care for their teeth.
“Basic prevention is the key to reducing chronic dental disease, and we are so pleased to be able to offer this service to the community,” said Laura Justice, the dental program’s coordinator. “Early childhood decay has been linked to complications with permanent teeth, as well as missed school days and poor performance in school. Developing good oral health habits at an early age and scheduling regular dental visits can contribute to a lifetime of good oral and general health.”
For more information and to participate, call Debbie Pringle at 850-872-3833. Appointments will be scheduled based on availability. A parent or guardian must accompany the child during the entire visit.