Nothing puts a smile on a child’s face like a dip in a pool on a hot summer day, and a perfect smile starts with proper dental care. FIU Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine Green Family Foundation NeighborhoodHELP™ South Miami has combined the two by organizing a Summer Family Oral Health and Pool Event to bring much-needed dental services to the local community.
The event will be held on Thursday, June 22, from 3:00 pm- 6 p.m., at the Children’s Clinic in 6701 SW 58th Place, Miami, which is on the Murray Park property.
It takes a village
GFFNeighborhoodHELP™ South Miami is a medical education and service delivery program, funded by Baptist Health South Florida, that works with many community partners to provide vital services and raise awareness of the importance of preventive health care, including oral health, to the South Miami Community.
“We are very committed to our oral health initiative because studies continue to show links between poor oral health and heart disease, dementia, respiratory infections, diabetes complications, low birth weight and other health problems,” said Dr. Fred Anderson, medical director, GFFNeighborhoodHELP™.
“We are thrilled to be partnering with FIU NeighborhoodHELP™ South Miami and other participants on this important initiative. Every day in my practice I see the need for dental services and education about the importance of oral health. Bringing together the resources of FIU and other universities, along with local organizations to assist community members is how we get things done, “said Dr. Tina Carroll-Scott, medical director, South Miami Children’s Clinic.
Food, Fun, and Games
There will be food, music, and fun activities. The first 50 children to arrive will receive a free pool voucher for the Murray Park Acquatic Center next door.
South Miami Hospital will offer healthy snacks.
The GFFNeighborhoodHELP™ South Miami outreach team will have face painting.
MUSICALL will provide a live musical performance.
The City of South Miami and the South Miami Children’s Clinic are hosting the event.
Dental Services
The pediatric dental mobile units from Nicklaus Children’s Hospital and Community Health of South Florida (CHI) will be providing oral evaluations, teeth cleanings, fillings, and fluoride treatment to children.
CHI and Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine will be providing adults free oral evaluations.
Caring for Miami, Community Health of South Florida, Jesse Trice Family Health Center, and Concorde Career College will provide information on dental services.
The services are free and appointments are not needed.
For additional information about the event and GFFNeighborhoodHELP™ South Miami, please call 305-348-3357.
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