Free Dental Screenings
Good oral health is important for overall health and well-being, yet 1 in 5 Hoosier children suffer from untreated tooth decay. During the month of February, participating providers are providing free dental screenings, preventive and restorative services or education to Hoosier children.
Click on a county in blue to find participating providers near you.
Featured Events
Indianapolis Public Library - Central Library
40 E. St. Clair St., Indianapolis
11 a.m. to 3 p.m. EST
Saturday, Feb.18
Free dental screenings in the dental van at the library entrance. Free dental kits with toothbrushes, activity booklets, bookmarks, superhero capes and masks, and more. Storytime with America's ToothFairy in the atrium.
Indiana University School of Dentistry
1121 W. Michigan St., Indianapolis
9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 5 p.m. EST
Tuesday, Feb. 21
Free dental screenings and kits, X-rays, prophylaxis, and application of varnish fluoride and sealants in the Pediatric Predoctoral Clinic on the second floor.
Did you know?
- Half of Hoosiers live in an area with a dental health provider shortage.
- Over 4 in 10 children have tooth decay by the time they enter kindergarten.
- Children with cavities in their primary/baby teeth are 3 times more likely to develop cavities in their permanent/adult teeth.
Give your kid a smile:
Cavities are one of the most common chronic diseases for kids ages 6 to 19.
Protect your child’s teeth by having them:
- Brush their teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
- Drink tap water that contains fluoride.
- Start healthy habits now.
Resources
- Information for Clinicians, Schools and Community Organizations
Help us celebrate the 20th anniversary of Give Kids A Smile® by volunteering to provide free dental screenings, preventive and restorative services or education to Hoosier children in February 2023. This event can help raise awareness of oral health and identify children who require immediate dental treatments and help provide them with a dental home.
Clinicians can volunteer their services to children in need or from low-income families. Schools can help promote oral health by providing education to teach students about good dental hygiene and more.
How you can be part of Hoosiers: Give Kids a Smile®:
- Dentists can provide screenings in your dental office
- Dentists or dental students can visit a school to teach kids about oral health
- Hygienist in office can perform some toothbrush prophies
- Hygienist/hygiene students can provide oral health education in schools
- Host a dental screening event at a dental school
- Pediatricians can provide oral screenings, education or preventative treatment to patients
- Pediatricians, nurses, federally-qualified health centers and local health departments can provide screenings and education
Resources
- Presentation slides from the Nov. 9. kick-off meeting
- Mouth Healthy - Activity Sheets and Lesson Plans
- ADA - Tips for Healthy Teeth
For Schools
About the Program
Give Kids A Smile® is an annual volunteer program that provides free educational, preventive or restorative services to children. The program will take place in February 2023 at participating locations.
The program was created in 2002 by Dr. Jeffery Dalin, an Indiana University School of Dentistry graduate, and was recognized in 2003 by the American Dental Association as a nationwide program. For the 20th anniversary of Give Kids A Smile®, the Indiana Department of Health is partnering with participating providers willing to provide free oral health care services to Hoosier children.