Free Dental Appointments for Uninsured Children in Celebration of National Children's Dental Health Month

In Celebration of National Children’s Dental Health Month, HealthLinc Dental Staff will be providing dental care to children who are uninsured and do not regularly see a dentist.

Free Dental exams on Monday, February 22 will be available, at HealthLinc’s dental clinics as follows:

• Valparaiso office at 454 S College, 219-462-7173, 5-8 p.m.
  
• Michigan City location, 710 Franklin Street, 219-877-3714, from 5-7:30 p.m.
  
• HealthLinc will be accepting appointments up to Wednesday, February 17. A scheduled time is necessary to participate in the program.

These dental exams will include a visual oral exam. Parents and children will be given education on the proper brushing techniques, flossing and how to be prepared for an oral health emergency. All children will go home with a kit including a toothbrush, tooth paste and floss.

HealthLinc’s dental director, Dr. Thomas Young, DDS said, “Developing good habits at an early age and scheduling regular dental visits helps children get a good start on a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums. The dental team at HealthLinc is excited about serving those children who might not receive oral health care”

CEO Beth Wrobel, had this to say, “Too many times we receive calls from the schools in Northwest Indiana saying they have a child who has a toothache. These children can not give their full attention to classes due to the fact that their mouth hurts. HealthLinc wants to be there for all children, regardless of their income.”

All parents will be offered a screening to see if their children might qualify for Indiana Medicaid, a state program for children that include physical and oral health insurance.

HealthLinc, Inc. (www.healthlincchc.org) is a not-for-profit Federally Qualified Health Center that provides a range of medical, dental, and behavioral health services to people of all ages regardless of a patient’s ability to pay. Many of our patients lack health insurance or are enrolled in the Medicaid or Medicare programs. HealthLinc also accepts some private insurance plans. Clinics are located in Valparaiso and Michigan City as well as Knox. All three clinics offer primary medical and behavioral health services; dental services are available in our Valparaiso and Michigan City clinics.

For more information regarding the FREE children dental exams contact Cherié Davich, Community Outreach Director, at 219-707-7183. For more information regarding HealthLinc, contact CEO Beth Wrobel at (219) 465-9500 or (219) 405-8481 (cell phone), or visit www.healthlincchc.org.