As you know, access to dental services is one of the most pressing health
care needs for children whose families cannot afford regular trips to the dentist. To make a dent in that urgent need and to highlight this critical problem, the Longview Wellness Center- Dental Clinic will sponsor our annual Give Kids A Smile® event on February 1, 2008 at 1107 East Marshall Ave. Suite C, Longview , TX.  At the event, an estimated minimum of 150 children will receive free dental services consisting of Oral Health Instructions, Cleaning, Sealants, and poss.Restorative work.

We’d like to invite you to participate in our Give Kids A Smile® program to learn the extent of suffering untreated dental disease inflicts on children and to witness what relief a bit of prevention and treatment can provide. This unique, inspiring event presents the opportunity to interact with the children, their families, the dentists and their team members as well as any media who may be present. It is also a chance for you, as a public leader, to gain first hand knowledge about this critical health need and potential solutions.

It is shocking that dental decay remains the most common chronic childhood disease. Low-income children suffer twice as much dental decay as those from more affluent families. There are thousands and thousands of kids in this country who can't eat or sleep properly, can't pay attention in school and can't smile, because of untreated dental disease. Without relief, these children will face lifelong health problems—not just dental health, but overall health—and difficulty getting good jobs, to say nothing of the lack of confidence and self-esteem caused by their inability to smile. When coupled with emerging research demonstrating a stronger association between oral health and overall systemic health, I’m sure you’ll agree that this is a situation that no citizen or public policymaker will find tolerable at either the human or fiscal level.
Unfortunately, no single day volunteer program will provide a solid, maintainable system of dental care delivery.

That takes more than any charitable event can offer; it takes resources, commitment and cooperation. The Longview Wellness Center- Dental Clinic has several ideas on how we can work together to strengthen the dental care available to those in need. We look forward to seeing you on February 1, 2008 and the opportunity to discuss these ideas with you further.

Sincerely,
Christi Baxter ,RDA
P.S. To RSVP please contact me at 903-758-2610 ext. 204 or e-mail @ cbaxter@longviewwellness.org