Give Kids A Smile Day planned at SIU

The annual Give Kids A Smile Day at Southern Illinois University has an additional service this year: free vision screenings.

The March 1 event is provided by the university’s dental hygiene program. 

The event is scheduled from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the SIU Carbondale Community Dental Center, which is west of the SIU Arena.

The free dental care is for children who do not receive regular dental treatment and who do not have regular access to dental care. Children from infants to 14 years of age are welcome.

In its 17th year, the program, which began in 2003 with about 50 children participating over two days, has grown to an average of about 240 children each of the past nine years.

Children will receive dental examinations, x-rays, cleanings, fluoride treatments, sealants and fillings, or simple extractions under special circumstances. 

The program also works to find a “dental home” for patients if there is a need for additional treatment.

For the first time, children from 6 months to 6 years old can participate in free vision screenings being offered by the Carbondale Lions Club.

Children can register for either the dental screening, vision screenings or both. 

While children can register on the day of the event, appointments are preferred. To make an appointment, call the center at 618-453-8826 and specify the visit is for Give Kids a Smile Day.