Photo ID: Dental hygienist Priscilla Montijo gives Maki Irby,10, a take-home goodie bag after his recent visit to the Department of Health in Volusia County's dental clinic in Daytona Beach. On February 3, Maki and 15 other youth received care at the Department as part of the annual Give Kids A Smile annual event.

Daytona Beach - Sixteen Volusia County youth may be smiling more widely today. As part of the annual Give Kids A Smile event held Friday, February 3, they received no-cost, comprehensive dental care from the Department of Health (DOH) in Volusia County.

Dental staff in the Daytona Beach and Orange City offices collectively performed 16 exams and cleanings, 11 fillings, 61 sealants and 15 fluoride treatments. All patients received nutritional counseling and oral hygiene instructions. The value of services provided was nearly $8,000. Patients ranged in age from 9-17.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cavities are one of the nation's most common chronic childhood conditions. Left untreated cavities can cause pain and infections that may lead to problems with daily activities, including eating, speaking, playing and learning.

The annual Give Kids a Smile event is held in observance of February's National Children's Dental Health Month. Launched by the American Dental Association (ADA) in 2003, more than five million underserved children have received free oral health services, according to the ADA’s website.

For more information about National Children's Dental Health Month, visit the American Dental Association website. Additional information also is online at volusiahealth.com/dental.

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About the Florida Department of Health

The department works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.

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