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Click Here for info about 2008 events
KinderSmile sponsors First "Give Kids a Smile Day" in Montclair
It's the first: Dr. Nicole McGrath (center) poses with volunteers and children during a break at the KinderSmile Foundation's first Give Kids A Smile Day in 2008. Dr. McGrath created the Montclair, N.J. foundation in January 2007 and serves as its executive director. She and Dr. Chris Karydes examined and applied fluoride to more than 150 children. They were assisted by high school student volunteers who conducted toothbrushing workshops, read dental stories and presented dental arts and crafts to the children.
 On Feb. 6, 2009, KSF proudly examined and applied fluoride to the teeth of 215 children. We were generously invited to use the gym at the Central Presbyterian Church, Montclair, NJ. This was our second annual 'Give Kids a Smile Day' Oral Health Fair, a nationwide event run by the American Dental Association. Our patients, all Montclair area residents, enjoyed live entertainment, as well as a visit from the Mayor of Montclair. KSF offered 'dental homes' to all the young students and their families.
 On Feb. 18, 2009, KSF brought our Pre/Postnatal Screening to Early Head Start in East Orange; we examined 16 pregnant and recent mothers and their children. We offered an Oral Education Workshop, including the prevention of oral disease in their unborn children. We referred these mothers (and dads) to 'dental homes'.
 On Feb. 25, 2009, again at Early Head Start in East Orange, we examined 50 boys and girls under the age of three; again, we applied fluoride and referred them to 'dental homes'. On the same day, we visited the East Orange Community Charter School, and we presented the KSF Oral Care Workshop to a class of 25 kindergartners.
KSF visited Edgemont School in Montclair on March 11, 2009; 50 first-grade students enjoyed our Oral Care Workshop.
 On April 8, 2009, KSF brought our Oral Health Program to the Neighborhood Child Care Center in Montclair; we examined 51 preschoolers. Over 40 of them were getting their six-month checkup. They were also given fluoride treatments and referred to 'dental homes'.
On April 22, 2009, KSF visited Building Blocks University Preschool in Montclair; we gave six-month checkups to several children and offer new exams to more recent enrollees. Our little patients benefited from fluoride applications and referrals to 'dental homes'.
 KSF returned to Montclair Child Development Corporation (Head Start) on April 29 and May 13, 2009. We brought six-month checkups to Early Head Start and Head Start children, including fluoride and dental referrals. Of course, the children who were not seen last year became our newest patients.
 Click Here for News Coverage of the April 29th Visit
In June, KSF brought our Pre/Postnatal Screening to the Montclair Child Development Center.
In September, the KinderSmile Oral Health Program will visit Building Blocks University Preschool in Irvington, NJ. As a follow-up to our ‘Give Kids a Smile Day’ last February, we will also visit these preschools to perform semi-annual examinations on children: Precious Jewels and Kelly’s Kids, both in Montclair.
 Looking forward to October 2009, KinderSmile Foundation will join the Newark Presbytery Global Mission in partnership with their Outreach Program in Jamaica, West Indies.
In November, 2009, KSF will join with Planned Parenthood to present our Pre/Postnatal Workshop to pregnant and recent mothers. We will provide dental screenings and oral hygiene tools, and teach these parents the importance of oral disease prevention for all of their children.
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