For Immediate Release

Date: April 22, 2005 Contact: Regina Collins Phone: (916) 554-5317 25,000 Children Receive Free Dental Care SACRAMENTO, Calif. (April 22, 2005) California Dental Association Professionals Donate Services During Children’s Dental Health Month More than 25,000 California children are smiling a bit wider today, due to free dental care provided by more than 600 California Dental Association (CDA) dental professionals. The CDA members donated their time throughout the month of February as part of Children’s Dental Health Month in California. “February is special, but the California Dental Association strives to help children all year long, not just during Children’s Dental Health Month,” said Russell I. Webb, D.D.S., CDA President. “We have a strong commitment to improving oral health for children and all Californians. We understand the importance of giving back to the community through education and preventive treatment.” Children’s Dental Health month was one of the largest CDA volunteer efforts as members donated more than 11,000 hours of dental service worth more than $895,000. Children ranging in age from five to 18 were given examinations, x-rays, dental sealants, fillings, crowns, cleanings, fluoride treatments, toothbrushes and oral hygiene instruction as part of the treatment and prevention program. “Dental disease is highly preventable,” says Webb. “Dentists can play a big part in halting its progression.”

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[The California Dental Association (CDA) is the nonprofit organization representing organized dentistry in California. Founded in 1870, CDA is the largest and most high profile constituent of the American Dental Association. CDA contributes to the dental health of consumers in California through various comprehensive programs aimed at improving dental health. CDA’s membership consists of more than 20,000 dentists. CDA is online at www.cda.org.]

CDA CONSUMER & MEDIA INFORMATION BUREAU

1201 K Street Mall
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: 916/443-3382, Ext. 4670
Fax. 916/443-2943
Info line: 800/CDA-SMILE
E-mail: cda_info@cda.org