The Knox County Health Department's (KCHD) School-Based Dental Program is offering opportunities for free dental services for children and young adults throughout June.

In partnership with the Knox County Schools Welcome Center (535 Chickamauga Ave.), children and young adults ages 4-21 can receive several services including education, screenings, sealants, and fluoride varnish.

"We all want to see our kids smile, which is why dental health is so important," said Sarah Naill, dental hygienist with KCHD's School-Based Dental Prevention Program. "Tooth decay is the most common chronic disease in childhood, yet it is largely a preventable disease. Attending free events like this is an easy step to ensure a healthy smile for children."

Appointments are required and are available now. Appointments are from 9 a.m. to noon on the following dates in June: 6, 8, 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, 22, 27, 28. In addition, a Spanish interpreter will be there to assist.

Appointments can be made by calling 865-215-5772; for Spanish call 865-215-5114.

According to a study from the CDC, about 20 percent of children ages 5-11 have at least one untreated tooth decay. It becomes essential to take care of their dental health before it becomes a threat. The KCHD's 2019 Community Health Assessment states that children with poor oral health miss more school and receive lower grades than those with better oral health, while adults lose more school or work hours for urgent, unplanned dental visits.

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