Wake County offers free dental care to uninsured children at the Fuquay-Varina clinic

FUQUAY-VARINA, NC (WNCN) – Wake County is offering free dental care to uninsured children.

On Wednesday, the county opened its third Smiles Regional Dental Clinic inside the Southern Regional Center in Fuquay-Varina.

They “cut the thread” on their grand opening.

The clinic offers free dental exams, teeth cleanings, x-rays and fluoride to those under 20 who do not have insurance.

It provides monthly dental appointments as part of the county’s program designed to help increase access to health care in underserved areas of the community.

The program has helped more than 5,200 children since its inception in 2017.

“October is National Dental Hygiene Month and what better way to celebrate than to expand access to this vital program at another of our Wake County regional centers, giving parents and caregivers easy options for children’s dental health theirs,” said Susan Evans. vice chairman, Wake County Board of Commissioners.

“Poor oral health is linked to chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease, so by teaching children the importance of looking after their smiles at an early age, as well as providing them with the necessary access to care, we can ensure that they are in the right. follow a healthy lifestyle when they grow up,” she said.

“Dental checkups for children are essential to maintaining their oral health, and regular visits help detect and prevent dental problems early, ensuring children have healthy teeth and gums as they grow,” said Wake County Dental Director Dr. Rebecca Sykes. . “These checkups also create good oral hygiene habits that can last a lifetime.”

There are two other clinics in Raleigh and Wake Forest that are also open.

The county is looking to open another clinic in Zebulon.

Regional Smiles is available by appointment only. Visits can be scheduled by calling 919-250-4610 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.