Delta Dental of Illinois Foundation will be offering free dental screenings at Elgin Community College for children under 5. The event will be from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 10 at ECC’s Dental Assisting Clinic.  

The Foundation will provide free preventative and diagnostic services such as cleanings, exams, fluoride treatments, sealants and X-rays. For children starting kindergarten, the visit will satisfy the mandatory dental screening required by state law. 

Appointments are recommended and can be made until Aug. 7 by visiting dentistby1.com/illinois/events, or by calling 630-718-4957. Spanish-speaking parents can call 630-718-4957. 

Children attending will be taught about the importance of dental care and will receive a free oral health kit, which includes a toothbrush, toothpaste, floss and a dental care instructional sheet in both english and spanish. 

The event is part of the Foundation’s Dentist by 1 program, which educates parents and children about good oral health benefits and starting dental visits early. 

“Most Illinois children have their first visit to the dentist when they are 2½ years or older[1] — much later than they should,” said Lora Vitek, director of Delta Dental of Illinois Foundation. “By then, they could have a mouthful of decay. Children need to begin visiting the dentist by their first birthday. To help encourage early dental visits, we have partnered with Elgin Community College to provide preventive dental care to young children.”

For more information about Dentist By 1, visit dentistby1.com/Illinois