According to a National Health Survey by the CDC, “more than 1 in 10 children ages 2 – 5 had at least one untreated cavity in their baby teeth and half of all children ages 6 – 9 have had cavities in their permanent teeth.” To help combat this ongoing health issue, the Aurora Public Library District is partnering with Compañeros en Salud (Partners in Health) and Colgate® to bring their Bright Smiles, Bright Futures® program to Aurora. Saturday, Feb. 21, children can receive free dental screenings at the library, and caregivers can learn how to prevent serious health issues from developing as their children grow.
The Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Futures education program has been bringing oral healthcare to over 100 different countries since 1991, helping 2 billion children and families thus far. With the help of state-of-the-art mobile dental vans, they travel the United States and set up events (approximately 2,000 a year) to improve the health and well-being of communities, raise awareness about the importance of children’s oral health, and ease dental disparities.
APLD is excited for this collaboration with Colgate and local organization Compañeros en Salud to bring these health services to our own community to help reduce barriers to care. “Providing dental health services relieves some of the pressure on parents and caregivers who may not have time or the means to take their children to the dentist regularly or lack dental insurance,” said elementary school services coordinator, Mariana. “It’s important to make sure our youth in Aurora stay healthy and thrive!”
So, what can one expect from a mobile dental screening on a 32-foot-long van? As families climb aboard, they’ll see videos and games that educate and entertain while they wait for a seat in the dental chair. When it’s their turn, children up to 12 years old will receive a free screening from a volunteer dental professional. While the screening gives a snapshot of a child’s oral health, it does not replace a comprehensive dental visit and will not fulfill school dental examination requirements. Afterwards, each child will get a goody bag with a toothbrush and toothpaste to continue healthy habits at home, and a referral to a local dentist if needed.
In addition to the dental services being provided, families can gather information from several community organizations like Alive Center, All Our Kids Kane County Health Department, Mutual Ground, Family Focus, Rush Copley Medical Center, Gift of Hope Organ & Tissue Donor Network, Community Health Partnership of Illinois, Birth to Five Illinois and the Boys & Girls Club of North Central Illinois. Discover helpful programs, connect with services, and ensure your child’s oral health—all at this one event!
Healthy smiles support confident learners and that’s something we love to see at the library! The Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Futures Van and Community Fair is happening at the Santori Library, 101 S River St., Aurora, from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Feb. 21. There is no registration required, or fees to participate. For more information, visit www.aurorapubliclibrary.org/event/15311418 or contact the library at 630-264-4117. Let’s keep Aurora’s smiles bright and healthy!
Andrea Tiberi is the communications coordinator for the Aurora Public Library District.