Submitted by the Hands On Children’s Museum
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 screenings take place from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. each Saturday in February. Families who bring their children in for screenings receive free admission.
Through partnerships with dozens of South Sound dentists, Hands On has been providing free screenings since 2001. In 2014, Hands On partner dentists donated their time to screen 371 children, 100 more than in 2013. They also provide dental information to family members.
“The screenings are a first dental experience for many South Sound children,” said Dr. Scott Rowley of Small to Tall Pediatric Dentistry, and screening sponsor for the event. “Screenings provide parents free access to a dentist and allow local dentists to show we care about the children of this community.”
Access to dental care is important. About 1 in 5 children, ages 5 to 11, have at least one decayed tooth that needs treatment, according to the Center for Disease Control.
Hands On is also celebrating Dental Health Month with a Puget Sound Dental Office exhibit, an exciting play area where kids can don a lab coat to become a dentist and examine their patients.
Special activities in the museum’s popular MakeSpace lets kids tinker, create and make monster mouths, t-shirts, a tooth fairy pillow or paint with toothbrushes and floss.
For a full schedule of screenings and activities, visit: http://www.hocm.org/dental-health-month/
About Hands On Children’s Museum
The Hands On Children’s Museum stimulates curiosity, creativity and learning through fun, interactive exhibits and programs for children, families and school groups.
The museum’s programs and exhibits are designed to encourage interaction and inquiry, as well as participation from the entire family. A landmark destination for the region, the museum is expected to serve more than 310,000 visitors in its third year. It is the most-visited children’s museum in Washington State.
The museum opens its doors to 85,000 children and families each year through its Free & Reduced Admission programs.
For more information about the Hands On Children’s Museum and Dental Health Month, visit www.hocm.org.
