Albany County Health Department's Dental Services Program - Award Winner

ALBANY, NY (03/02/2016)(readMedia)-- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

2016 NYSDF Give Kids a Smile Awardee Announced

Albany, 16 March 2016 – The New York State Dental Foundation (NYSDF) has announced the winners of the 2016 Give Kids a Smile (GKAS) Award, which recognizes organizations that expand access to oral care for children.

Among this year's GKAS Award recipients is the Albany County Health Department's Dental Services Program.

The Dental Services Program at the Albany County Health Department provides high quality dental care to approximately 1,600 children every year, resulting in more than 5,000 visits annually. The Dental Services Program improves the oral health of Albany County children by providing clinical services, including cleanings, sealants, fillings and extractions. Many of the children who receive care through the Albany County Health Department reside in high risk neighborhoods, are socio-economically disadvantaged, and do not have the benefit of fluoridated water systems, all of which contribute to overall poor dental health. Additionally, the Department cares for a growing number of children who have resettled from refugee camps and who have extensive dental care needs.

This is the second GKAS Award for the Albany County Health Department's Dental Services Program, which was recognized for continued excellence in providing oral health education and treatment throughout the county. The NYS Dental Foundation's GKAS Award will be used to pay for the cost of a much needed new Cavitron system to replace a unit that was more than 25 years old.

The Foundation's GKAS Award is an access-to-care endeavor designed to encourage parents, health professionals and policymakers to address the year-round need for oral health care and education for all children.

Dr. G. Kirk Gleason, Foundation chair, noted "The NYS Dental Foundation has a strong commitment to improving the oral health of the public, especially children. Effective education and expanding access to care are important public health priorities."

Ms. Laura Clark Leon, Foundation Executive Director, states "The Albany County Health Department's Dental Program has consistently demonstrated dedication to and shown positive results in caring for our most vulnerable citizens. It's incredibly heartening to see that the powers that be in Albany recognize that oral health is a smart investment in our community's future."

About the NYS Dental Foundation

As NYS dentistry's premier philanthropic and charitable organization, the NYS Dental Foundation is a catalyst for uniting people and organizations to make a difference through better oral health. Since 2007, the Foundation has given more than $160,000 to community health centers or service programs as part of its Give Kids a Smile Award program. The Foundation recognizes these programs' ability to build, expand or enhance education, access and/or capacity with respect to oral health care for children. Visit us on the web at www.nysdentalfoundation.org.