DURHAM, NC – Toothaches, cavities, and the dreaded cost to ease the pain are just some of the things that many adults dread about a trip to the dentist.

Imagine for a moment that you’re a child…and your parents don’t have the money to ease your pain. It happens more often then you realize.

The Durham County Department of Public Health, with the assistance from dental professionals in the community, will host its 11th annual Give Kids A Smile day on Friday, February 6, from 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.

Appointment scheduling for free dental care begins on Tuesday, January 13, on a first come, first served basis. Parents and guardians must pre-register by visiting Public Health’s dental clinic, located in Lobby 21 of the Durham County Human Services Building, located at 414 East Main Street in Durham.

“Give Kids A Smile has become one of the Durham County Department of Public Health’s signature projects over the past 11 years,” said Director of Dental Practice Dr. Miriam McIntosh. “This project has enabled us to provide dental services to children and adolescents in our community. This year, in addition to expanding the program to involve community dentists, we have also expanded to a full day of service, to meet the growing demand for services to those in need.”

To be eligible for Give Kids A Smile, individuals must meet the following criteria:

• Be at least 5 years-old, but have not reached their 18^th birthday.
• Live in Durham County
• Be a new dental patient to public health’s dental clinic
• Have NO Dental Insurance or Medicaid

For more information about Give Kids A Smile or children’s dental services offered by the Durham County Department of Public Health, contact the dental clinic at 919-560-7680.

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