Community Corner
Give Kids a Smile Day
Des Plaines dentists offer free exams
on Give Kids a Smile Day
Dozens of area children will receive a free dental exam, cleaning, fluoride treatment and X-rays as part of Give Kids a Smile (GKAS) Day on Feb. 2 in the office of Des Plaines dentists Harold O. Wyckoff Jr., D.D.S., and James B. McCool, D.D.S.
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The office, at 1355 Golf Road, is marking its sixth year of participation in the national program of the American Dental Association. Each year the office staff blocks out a day to treat 25 to 30 children, most of them 6 years of age and older. Children also take home a "goody bag" of basic dental supplies.
The campaign aims to build awareness of the importance of access to dental care for underserved families. Nearly 1 in 4 children, ages 2 to 11 years old, have untreated cavities. "There's a definite need for treating underserved patients," said Dr. Wyckoff. "Last year, the level of decay in children was surprising."
Find out what's happening in Des Plaineswith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Patient families are provided with a listing of clinics where low-cost care is provided. However, a couple of the most severe cases are treated in the office.
Local agencies assisting with enrollment in GKAS have included the Des Plaines Self-Help Closet and Food Pantry, School District 62, CEDA Northwest, Maine Township.
For information, contact Joan Ziegler at 847-824-3633 or joanziegler@att.net; or visit the website at http://wyckoffdesplainesdentistry.com/index.html.
