ORANGE PARK – Fortis College will participate in the American Dental Association Foundation’s “Give Kids A Smile” program by offering free dental care to youth at its campus at 700 Blanding Blvd., Suite 16.

Fortis will provide care on Friday, Feb. 2, from noon to 4 p.m.

Attendees will benefit from a comprehensive range of preventative services such as screening exams, fluoride varnish applications, coronal polishing and more. There will also be demonstrations featuring proper flossing and brushing techniques. The event is free and available to children up to eighth grade.

According to the Center for Disease Control, more than half of young children 6 to 8 years old have experienced at least one cavity in a baby tooth. Children 5 to 19 from low-income families are twice as likely to have cavities as compared to their counterparts.

“This event provides our students hands-on dental experience while simultaneously addressing a vital health need in our community,” said Fortis College in Orange Park Campus President Wyman Dickey. “We look forward to raising awareness for proper pediatric oral care and bringing the Orange Park community together – one smile at a time.”

The ADA Foundation’s “Give Kids A Smile” program was launched nationally in 2003 as a way for dentists to join with others in the community to provide dental services to underserved children.

The Dental Assisting program at Fortis provides students with a hands-on education that prepares them to perform various patient care and office and laboratory duties in a dental office setting.  

An on-site dentist supervises all dental assisting students participating in the event. 

For more information, please visit fortis.edu/campuses/florida/orange-park.html.