Panhandle Health District

                                                            8500 N. Atlas Road         Hayden, Idaho  83835

www.phd1.idaho.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                      Date:     February 26, 2009                     

Contact:                                                                                  Released by: Jeanne Bock, Director                     

Shari Williams

Public Health Dental Hygienist

Panhandle Health District

(208) 659-7335

Free Molar Protection for Area Children

Panhandle Health District (PHD) will provide protection for the permanent molars of eligible children ages 6 to 12 who live in and around Post Falls, Rathdrum, Athol and Spirit Lake on March 6, 13 and 14.

              PHD will provide the $200 service free thanks to generous grants from the Panhandle Public Health Foundation—Project Health--and Kiwanis International.

              Eligible children have no dental insurance, Medicaid coverage or a regular dentist. They also have no fillings on the chewing surfaces of their permanent molars.

              PHD’s dental hygienist will brush a dental sealant—antibacterial material—onto the tooth surfaces. The sealant greatly reduces the risk of cavities occurring on the chewing surfaces.

              Appointments are necessary. Children’s molars will be screened. Sealants will go on if permanent molars are not filled or decayed. A parent or guardian must be present to give consent for the treatment.

              PHD will offer the sealant service on:

• Friday, March 6, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Rathdrum Senior Center.
• Friday, March 13, from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Dentistry for Kids, 1027 W. Prairie Ave. in Hayden.
• Saturday, March 14, from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Dentistry for Kids in Hayden.

To schedule an appointment, call (208) 659-7335.