Delta Dental of Illinois Foundation provides free dental exams to children in Downers Grove

Downers Grove, Ill. (July 19, 2022) – Nearly 30 Illinois children received free dental exams on Saturday, July 16, at Midwestern University in Downers Grove.

The event was part of Delta Dental of Illinois Foundation’s Dentist By 1 program, which educates parents and caregivers about good oral health habits and the benefits of starting dental visits early. Since 2012, Dentist By 1 events have raised awareness about the importance of early dental visits and provided free dental exams. To date, 418 Illinois children have been treated through the Dentist By 1 program.

About 93% of children attending this year’s event had never been to a dentist before, and 22% showed signs of tooth decay.

“Tooth decay is one of the most prevalent diseases among children and can develop any time after the first tooth comes in, starting at around 6 months of age. By the time children celebrate their first birthday, they should have already seen the dentist or have a dental appointment scheduled,” said Lora Vitek, executive director of the Delta Dental of Illinois Foundation. “Many parents are simply not aware that kids should visit the dentist by age 1. We are proud to partner with Midwestern University to encourage early dental visits and provide free dental care to young children.”

Scheduling a dental visit by age 1 allows a child and parent to establish a relationship with their dentist. It also sets the foundation for regular visits and good oral health habits.

At the event, volunteer dental teams from Illinois dental practices provided free preventive and diagnostic services, including dental cleanings, exams, fluoride treatments, sealants and X-rays. Each child who attended the event also received an oral health kit with a toothbrush, toothpaste, floss and a dental care instructional sheet.

For more information about Dentist By 1, visit Dental Care for Children.

About the Delta Dental of Illinois Foundation

The Delta Dental of Illinois Foundation was formed in March 2008 by Delta Dental of Illinois, a not-for-profit dental service corporation with a mission to improve the oral health of the communities it serves. Delta Dental of Illinois Foundation is the 501(c)(3) charitable arm of Delta Dental of Illinois and works to support and improve the oral health of people in Illinois. In the past decade, combined efforts of Delta Dental of Illinois and Delta Dental of Illinois Foundation have provided more than $5 million to programs and organizations in Illinois that improve the oral health of the residents of Illinois.