1 in 5 low-income kids go without needed dental care; Pennsylvania receives a “D” for how it’s addressing this need (worse than 41 other states)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UMYXaTZOkTo&list=UUsyy8lzxdKTUwK_CMs3dN7g
Philadelphia, PA – Philadelphia Gentle Dental offices and their tooth mascot, Sir Floss A Lot, hit the streets to raise awareness about children’s dental health risks and the importance of regular preventive care.
Untreated tooth decay is on the rise in children, especially in low-income households. Medicaid-enrolled Pennsylvania children visit the dentists for preventive care LESS FREQUENTLY than similar children in other states – even though these dental visits cost parents nothing out of pocket.
Sir Floss A Lot and the Gentle Dental Team made Philadelphia residents smile big with surprise visits to popular Philadelphia attractions such as the National Museum of Art and Love Park, children’s summer programs including the First Tee of Philadelphia and Philadelphia School of Rock. Sir Floss A Lot even ate cheesesteaks with Tone Luke and skated at Race St. Pier with the with Philly Roller Derby Girls. Kids and parents in local Philadelphia neighborhoods and parks had a great time brushing Sir Floss A Lot and learning about proper dental hygiene.
Parents with children who qualify for medical assistance often have a difficult time finding a dental provider who accepts Medicaid or other similar programs.
While a video may be fun and a great promotion for Philly, Gentle Dental’s “Power Up Your Smile” campaign reflects a serious message, one that highlights a national need for kids to get regular oral healthcare checks. 
“Improving children’s oral healthcare is a top priority for Gentle Dental”, said Shawn Wherry, Vice President of Marketing. “Children’s dental health significantly impacts their overall health, and we know that cost is often a barrier to families maintaining regular visits and screenings. Many are unaware their child’s dental visit may cost them nothing out of pocket depending on the associated program, and we offer weekend and extended hours with locations on public transportation routes to make it even easier for parents. We hit the streets and filmed this video to help educate and spread the word to families in the greater Philadelphia area.” 
Parents and families can join Gentle Dental’s “Kids Dental Days” every Saturday in July and August. They can learn more at www.gentledental-pa.com, or by searching for Gentle Dental of PA on Facebook. Parents can schedule dental appointments for the entire family by calling 888-SMILE- FIX.
With 14 convenient locations and evening and weekend appointments, Gentle Dental has offices in Philadelphia, West Chester, Allentown, Blue Bell, Haverford, Collingdale, Bensalem, Thorndale, Abington, Reading and Springfield.
Important Facts:
- The Pew Center on the States estimates that 17 million low-income children go without dental care each year, representing one in 5 of all those between the ages of one and 18.
- Pennsylvania received a “D” grade based on their response to children’s dental health needs, meeting only three of the eight Pew Center on the States policy benchmark (up from an “F” grade in 2010). Pennsylvania’s ranking is worse than 41 other states.
- Tooth decay is the most common chronic disease in children (it is also the most preventable).
- Oral care is the most unmet healthcare need in America.
- 51 million school hours are missed yearly due to oral health issues.
- Education is not the only solution, but it is an essential part!
