Giving kids a reason to smile

SANDUSKY — The Erie County Health Department participated in the national Give Kids A Smile initiative on Feb. 24, providing free dental care to 49 children in the local community. Through this annual program, the health department delivered nearly $15,500 in no-cost dental services, helping remove financial barriers and ensuring underprivileged children receive essential oral health care. "Access to preventive dental care is critical to a child's overall health and success," said Nicole Ziegler, a registered nurse and the health department's chief health services officer. "Events like this not only address immediate oral health needs, but they also help families connect to ongoing care and build lifelong healthy habits." Services provided during the event included everyone receiving comprehensive dental exams, cleanings and varnish applications along with some receiving dental sealants, X-rays flouride treatments and other procedures. Give Kids A Smile is designed to improve access to dental care for children who may otherwise go without preventive and restorative treatment. Untreated dental issues can lead to pain, infection, missed school days and long-term health complications. Dental sealants and fluoride treatments, in particular, play an important role in preventing cavities and protecting children's teeth during their most cavity-prone years. Early detection through comprehensive exams also allows providers to intervene before minor issues become major concerns. "Oral health is a critical component of overall health, especially for children," county health commissioner Pete Schade said. "Events like Give Kids A Smile demonstrate the power of prevention and the importance of ensuring every child, regardless of circumstance, has access to quality dental care. By removing barriers and delivering services directly to families, we are investing in healthier futures for our community." The Erie County Health Department remains committed to expanding access to care and reducing health disparities across the region. Community-based initiatives like Give Kids A Smile are one example of how the Erie County Health Department continues to meet families where they are and ensure children receive the care they need to thrive. The health department offers dental services on a year-round basis. People can inquire by calling 419-626–5623 or visiting eriecohealthohio.com.