Contact: Helen Horowitz
212:998-6851 [email protected]
Elyse Bloom
212:998-9910
NYU COLLEGE OF DENTISTRY PROGRAM PROMISES CAVITY-FREE CHILDHOOD
NEW PROGRAM ENROLLS 2-11 YEAR OLDS FOR PREVENTIVE SERVICES AND FREE FOLLOW-UP FILLINGS IF NEEDED
The NYU College of Dentistry today announced a new childhood cavity-prevention program for children from 2 to 11 years of age. The new program will provide participants with free fillings if they follow the program's recommendations. The program is part of a larger "Ask Your Dentist" campaign to increase consumer awareness of the importance of early intervention and preventive dental services.
The new Smile Team program will be officially launched at the College of Dentistry (345 East 24th Street at First Avenue) on February 1, to coincide with National Childrens' Dental Health Month. Children enrolling in the Smile Team will be examined and treated at regular clinic rates for any existing dental problems. Once they are cavity free, the program will provide an individual preventive plan, including cleaning and flouride, home care and oral hygiene counseling, and regular assessment for orthodontic needs. Any cavities developed by children who follow the program's guidelines will be treated free of charge.
According to Dr. Linda Rosenberg, who heads up the new Smile Team program, "while childhood cavities are totally preventable, dental caries remains the most prevalent chronic disease in children: 42 percent of 5-year-olds and 56 percent of 9-year olds have cavities which require treatment. As a profession, we are certain that adequate preventive measures can eliminate cavities. On that basis, we are able to promise to treat any cavities developed by children in the program free of charge."
The Smile Team program is part of a comprehensive public health campaign conducted by the NYU College of Dentistry under the banner of IMPACT, the Initiative to Mobilize Patient Advocacy, Concern, and Treatment.
In spring 1999, the College launched a pilot program to inform adults about the dangers of oral cancer, to provide free oral cancer screenings at throughout the metropolitan area, and to encourage consumers to "Ask Your Dentist" for regular oral cancer screenings. According to Dr. Michael Alfano, Dean of the NYU College of Dentistry: "We know that prevention is the key to oral health at all ages. While we are offering the Smile Team program at the College as a model for cavity-prevention in children, we hope that all consumers will ask their dentists about warding off such easily preventable oral health problems as childhood cavities, oral cancer, and periodontal disease."
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