San Mateo County to Offer Free Dental Care Feb. 1

San Mateo County will offer children from low-income families free dental care on Give Kids a Smile Day, Friday, Feb. 1.

Give Kids a Smile Day is a national event in which nearly a half million dentists donate their time to raise awareness on the importance of dental care, and to help those parents who cannot afford proper dental care for their children, according to the San Mateo County Health System.

San Mateo County dentists will participate in Give Kids a Smile Day by offering free services to families with children, teens, and young adults who may otherwise not be able to afford or access dental care.

Thirteen dentists in the county will provide free services ranging from oral exams, cleanings, x-rays, and fluoride treatments.

ThecCounty expects to provide services to about 100 children. The families will also be assisted with health insurance enrollment. Families can call (650) 616-2002 to schedule an appointment.

“A healthy body starts with a healthy mouth,” said Dr. Gracia Cua. “Untreated dental disease is painful and affects a child’s physical, emotional and social well being, and yet it’s preventable through brushing, flossing, proper diet, and regular visits to the dentist.”

San Mateo County Health System ensures that all children ages 0 through 18 years in San Mateo County have access to comprehensive health and dental insurance coverage.

To learn about health insurance enrollment for children, please call San Mateo County Health Coverage Unit at (650) 616-2002 or visit http://www.smcchi.org.

Space is limited for Give Kids a Smile Day appointments. Call the San Mateo County Health Coverage Unit at (650) 616-2002 to schedule an appointment.

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