Centre Volunteers in Medicine to host children’s health exams April 7

February is National Dental Health Month and, traditionally, the Give Kids a Smile event is held this month. But, because of weather concerns, the program will be held in April this year.

On Friday, April 7, Centre Volunteers in Medicine will hold a screening that will provide children from 1 to 18 with free dental care, free vision exams and free hearing exams. The event will be held at Pediatric Dental Care and Nittany Eye Associates, 1019 Ghaner Road, Suite A, Port Matilda.

The exams are free to families with household incomes up to 250 percent of the federal poverty level and proof of income is required. Children who qualify for the free lunch program automatically qualify for the event.

Children will be seen by appointment only. To make a reservation, or for more information, call CVIM at (814) 231-4043. Applications are due at CVIM by Friday, March 24. 

Give Kids a Smile and Vision for the Future served 79 children last year on the GKAS day, as reported by CVIM. A total of $29,474 worth of services were provided free of charge in 2016.

Some of the many services provided included X-rays, prophylaxis, fluoride treatments, extractions, provisional crowns, restorations and simple extractions.

In 2016, the State College Kiwanis Club sponsored the event with funds raised during its Holiday Basketball Classic at State College High School.

To celebrate and promote children’s dental health this month, CVIM will be accepting entries for its Dental Health Poster Contest.

Division One will include children in third, fourth or fifth grade in a Centre County schools, including public, private, charter or home schools.

Students in sixth, seventh or eighth grade in any public, charter, private or home school in Centre County may enter the contest under Division Two.

The theme for the posters is “Two Minutes Twice a Day!” 

Children should share how they take care of their mouths. They can describe how they brush and how long they brush or how to clean between the teeth and other ways to maintain dental health, or illustrate eating healthy meals and limiting snacks as means of promoting dental health. Posters must be 16 inches by 20 inches in size, including border or mat. Paint, crayon, colored pencil, charcoal, paper or any other art materials can be used. The poster concept and design and any photos or artwork must be the original work of the student. And, contestants are asked to not include glass, tacks, staples or any other breakable or sharp objects.

Each division will have a first-place, second-place and third-place winner. Posters will be judged on overall impact, effectiveness in conveying the theme, originality and artistic merit.

Submit entries by 5 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 28, to CVIM, 2520 Green Tech Drive, State College, PA 16803.

All winners will be displayed at Mount Nittany Health’s art gallery during the month of April.