South Sound children can benefit from free dental screenings, a dental office exhibit, and fun, hands-on learning activities to promote the importance of dental health in February at the Hands On Children’s Museum.
Free dental screenings take place from 1-3pm each Saturday in February and families who bring their children in for screenings receive free admission. The Museum has partnered with dozens of South Sound dentists to provide free screenings for children since 2001. Partner dentists donate their time and anticipate giving free screenings to as many as 300 children throughout February. They also provide dental information to family members.
“We have been a long-time supporter of the museum and are proud to provide free screenings to the children in our community,” said Dr. Scott Rowley of Small to Tall Pediatric Dentistry, and screening sponsor for the event. “This is a fun way to connect with kids that may not have access to a dentist otherwise. The sooner children begin getting regular dental checkups, the healthier their mouths will stay throughout their lives.”
Tooth decay is the most common chronic disease among children in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that more than 40 percent of children have decay by the time they reach kindergarten. The American Dental Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics say that every child should visit a dentist by age 1 – or as soon as the first tooth appears.
Hands On is celebrating Dental Health Month with special guests and activities throughout the month of February. Young visitors can don a lab coat and explore what it’s like to be a dentist in the exciting Puget Sound Dental Office exhibit sponsored by Dr. Bo M. Davidson of Hawks Prairie Pediatric Dentistry.
Kids can meet and get their photo taken with costumed characters, Wonder Woman (Amazon of Olympia) and Batman (Batman in Seattle), February 23rd, 1-3pm. Children can experiment with different kinds of animal teeth (from Baleen and toothed whales to shark teeth) at the Science Table every Saturday. Special activities in the MakeSpace include creating toothbrush bots & mazes, February 8-10, learning silkscreen printing, Feb 16, 18-19, making monster mouths, Feb 15 & 17, and painting on easels with toothbrushes, Feb 22-24. All activities are free with admission.
For a full schedule of screenings and activities, visit: https://www.hocm.org/
