Be Our Friend - Louisiana Dental Association

LDAcouncil on communicationsDr. Brian BasingerChair, Council on CommunicationsAlthough the winter weather caused schools allacross the state to shut down on Friday, Feb.4, 2011, Louisiana dentists did not let it affect theirplans. Events were rescheduled and many LDAmembers volunteered their time in support of theAmerican Dental Association’s (ADA) 62nd annualNational Children’s Dental Health Month showcaseevent, Give Kids A Smile Day (GKAS).To commemorate the occasion, dentists fromacross the state joined together to informchildren about the importance of oralhealth. They provided educationalmaterials and dental screeningas well as preventative andrestorative care to over 1,000children who do not have accessto proper dental care (numberreported to the LDA by ourmembers). Access to dental care is oneof the most pressing health care needs forlow-income children whose families cannot affordannual visits to the dentist.GKAS events from allover the state took placethroughout the month ofFebruary. For instance,Dr. Eric Sanders heldan event in which 150pre-k and kindergartenchildren from CameronParish schools receiveddental examinations, toothbrush cleanings withfluoride application and educational presentationson caring for their teeth. Lake Charles Mayor RandyRoach also attended their event to show his support.For many children, GKAS serves as their firsttrip to a dental office. This allows our membersan opportunity to create a positive and reassuringexperience that encourages the children to continuetheir care. To all of the dentists that participated thisDentists Across the State Provided FREE Oral Careto Children at Give Kids A Smile EventsAbove: A child smiles for the camera at the PediatricDental Specialists of Baton Rouge office. Left: PediatricDental Specialists of Baton Rouge staff member smilesbig for the camera with one of the lucky children toreceive free dental care. Bottom left: LSUSD studentRenee Bourgeois provides care to a child referred byCatholic Charities.year, I would like to extend a heartfelt THANKYOU. Getting children to visit the dentist is thefirst step in showing them and their families theimportance of oral health.Although we were able to see a large numberof children during this year’s GKAS events, it isimportant to remember that there are thousandsof children still out there who need our help. Startthinking about how you can get involved in GKASevents next year. Taking a few hours out of oneday each year to help these children makes a hugedifference in not only their lives but their families’as well. Do not forget you can always request freesupplies from the ADA if you register early. Check outtheir website, www.ada.org, for helpful tips on howto get started. You can always call the LDA office andthey gladly point you in the right direction as well.The photos on the following page were takenat GKAS events around the state. If you have anyphotos or information about a GKAS event youhosted or attended, please report that information tothe LDA at info@ladental.org or call (800) 388-6642.22 LDA Journal