Volunteers made program possible

On May 31, 17 teens from Bonner and Boundary counties received free preventive dental services at the Sandpoint Teen Dental Party. Panhandle Health District teamed up with the Sandpoint Teen Center for the event. In addition to dental services, kids who participated received a toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, sugar-free Tic-Tacs and Xylitol chewing gun that reduces the risk of tooth decay. They also took home quit-tobacco resources, information on tobacco’s impact on oral health and free sunscreen samples and information on skin cancer. A display showed teens the amounts of sugar and acid in common beverages.

PHD thanks Candy Enslow, a registered dental hygienist in Blanchard, for volunteering her time and expertise to work with the kids. PHD also thanks the offices of Drs. Lewis and Hawn in Sandpoint, Mt. Baldy Dental in Sandpoint and Dr. Douglas Beazer in Bonners Ferry for donating 10 no-cost vouchers for follow-up cleanings and restorative care.

Every teen who attended the dental party received a door prize thanks to Pizza Hut and Papa Murphy’s Pizza in Ponderay and Domino’s Pizza, Bab’s Pizzeria and Cedar Street Bistro in Sandpoint. Without the community’s support, such events wouldn’t be possible.

LORA WHALEN

Director

Panhandle Health District