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[/media-credit]Nearly 400 Young Fans Receive Free Dental Screening, Treatment and Education at Richmond International Raceway during April NASCAR Weekend
Greg Biffle to Drive Unique No. 16 Give Kids A Smile 3M Ford Fusion in the Richmond NASCAR Sprint Cup Race
RICHMOND, VA, (April 27, 2012) – The American Dental Association’s (ADA) Give Kids A Smile® program, Henry Schein, Inc. (NASDAQ:HSIC), 3M ESPE Dental and NASCAR star Greg Biffle teamed up to deliver miles of smiles Friday at Richmond International Raceway.
The groups hosted a children’s dental screening in the track’s Midway, with volunteer dentists and other dental team members giving underserved children free dental evaluations, fluoride treatments and dental sealants.
Approximately 400 children were expected to be treated during the all-day event, which is designed to put youngsters on the fast track to good oral health. Saturday’s portion of the program includes fun activities and education about healthy dental habits.
Biffle’s morning visit kicked off Friday’s “Give Kids A Smile” clinic. He spoke to the volunteers, spent time with young patients and addressed media members.
“I got involved through 3M,” Biffle said. “That’s a big part of their business, health care and dental. So that’s what really got us involved with the American Dental Association and Henry Schein organization’s “Give Kids A Smile” program. I’ve volunteered my time to come do these programs and be the face of the program.”
According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, tooth decay affects some 16 million children in the United States, more than any other chronic infectious disease, including asthma, early-childhood obesity and diabetes. Untreated tooth decay causes pain and infections that may lead to problems in eating, speaking, playing and learning.
Per the ADA, children living in poverty suffer twice the tooth decay as their more affluent peers, and their disease is more likely to go untreated. A disproportionate share of tooth decay, approximately 80 percent, is found in 25 percent of children
“Give Kids A Smile” targets those who might not have access to proper dental care. “It’s a pretty neat program,” said Biffle, noting that Friday’s event marked the second consecutive year that the groups involved with “Give Kids A Smile” have conducted an at-track clinic. The first occurred last October, at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
Drawing parents’ attention to their children’s dental health is equally important. Biffle and his wife, Nicole, are parents of a nine-month daughter, Emma, and want other parents to understand the magnitude of good oral health.
“There are millions and millions of kids that don’t get the proper dental care, whether it be funding or insurance or just not getting to the dentist,” Biffle said. “So this is important to bring awareness – not only to the kids but to the parents – about it.”
Biffle – the current NASCAR Sprint Cup Series’ standings leader – will drive the No. 16 Give Kids A Smile Ford Fusion in Saturday’s race. He also will help promote good dental health for children through 2012 and support clinics providing dental care for children in need.
The event is part of the yearlong celebration of the Give Kids A Smile program’s 10th anniversary in 2012. Fans can follow Give Kids A Smile on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GiveKidsASmile.
The yearlong education program includes a national public service announcement featuring Greg Biffle and ongoing outreach to parents and children through dental offices, community events and media. Throughout the year, there will be more than 1,600 Give Kids A Smile events around the country providing dental services to more than 400,000 underserved children.
