February 6, 2008 > Dentists volunteer for dental health program Dentists volunteer for dental health program Submitted By Fremont Unified School District The Southern Alameda County Dental Society (SACDS) in conjunction with the American Dental Association (ADA) and the California Dental Association (CDA) together are coordinating access to dental care activities for children in local communities. Locally, dentists, hygienists, assistants, and other dental heath professionals will be screening and treating children from the Southern Alameda County area. All participating dental professionals are volunteering their time, and all services rendered are donated. On Saturday, Feb. 9, from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. in multiple dentist offices at Stevenson Place in Fremont, the "Give Kids a Smile" program will be helping children in families from the area. "Give Kids a Smile" is an annual centerpiece to National Children's Dental Health Month (NCDHM) and is observed every year in February by local dental societies. NCDHM is celebrated during the entire month of February, and focuses on providing oral health education to all children despite their economic status. "Give Kids a Smile" was designed to provide education, preventative and restorative care to children who do not have access to care. In addition to the desire of local dental professionals to give back to the community and to reach out to the underserved, "Give Kids a Smile" offers them the opportunity to assist local schools with the compliance of the state law. Assembly Bill 1433 was signed into law by the Governor on Sept. 22, 2006, establishing a new requirement (Education Code Section 49452.8). This law requires that by May 31 each year students in kindergarten (or first grade if it is their first year in public school) submit proof of an oral health assessment performed by a licensed dentist or other licensed or registered dental health professional. The implementation date of this new law was Jan.1, 2007, therefore impacting students currently in kindergarten or first grade. Parents planning to attend the event on Saturday, Feb. 9, as part of the "Give Kids a Smile" program must notify the SACDS by email at: sacds-gkas@earthlink.net. Included in the email should be the parent and child's name, and the child's age. Children will be seen on a first come first served basis. It is imperative that we know how many children will be attending in order to have enough supplies. For further information about the "Give Kids a Smile" program or event information, you may contact the SACDS at (510) 782-5316 or email sacds-gkas@earthlink.net. Give Kids a Smile Saturday, Feb 9 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Multiple dentist offices 39572 Stevenson Place, Fremont (510) 782-5316 sacds-gkas@earthlink.net Free, but be sure to send an email to RSVP ahead of time.