dental students providing services

This photo was taken prior to March 2020.

May 26, 2021

SIU offers area children free dental care at clinics this summer

by Christi Mathis

Note:
The 2021 summer dental clinic schedule has been revised and updated since this story was posted. Please see updated story at https://news.siu.edu/2021/06/061021-SIU-announces-updated-schedule-for-free-summer-dental-clinics-for-children.php. Check the program website or SIU Dental Hygiene Clinic Facebook page for subsequent updates. 

CARBONDALE, Ill. — Children from throughout the region will be able to get free preventive dental services this summer at a variety of different sites and dates courtesy of the Southern Illinois University Carbondale Dental Sealant Grant Program.

In compliance with current Illinois COVID-19 safety measures, masks should be worn and social distancing will be practiced.

The exams will fulfill state requirements for school

The participating children will receive examinations and fluoride treatments. The exams fulfill the state requirements for children who are entering kindergarten, second, sixth and ninth grades in the fall.

While there is no charge to participate, children who are members of the “AllKids” program should bring their medical card.

No appointments needed

There will be 14 clinics for children ages 3-17. Each will run from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. but participants must arrive by 1:30 p.m. to be seen.

Children receive care on a first-come, first-served basis and appointments are not necessary. Senior dental hygiene students provide the services.

Visit any of the multiple clinic options

The clinic dates and locations are:

  • June 17 – Murphysboro: Youth and Recreation Center, 1818 W. Walnut St.
  • June 18 – Murphysboro: Jackson County Health Department, 415 Health Department Road.
  • June 24 – Pinckneyville: Perry County Health Department, 907 S. Main St.
  • June 25 – Marion: Franklin-Williamson Bi-County Health Department, 8160 Express Drive.
  • July 1 – Pinckneyville: Perry County Health Department, 907 S. Main St.
  • July 2 – Murphysboro: Jackson County Health Department, 415 Health Department Road.
  • July 8 – Cobden: First Baptist Church, 200 S. Walker St.
  • July 9 – Marion: Franklin-Williamson Bi-County Health Department, 8160 Express Drive.
  • July 15 – Pinckneyville: Perry County Health Department, 907 S. Main St.
  • July 16 – Murphysboro: Jackson County Health Department, 415 Health Department Road.
  • July 22 – Benton: Franklin-Williamson Bi-County Health Department, 403 E. Park St.
  • July 23 – Carbondale: Faith Temple Church, 604 N. Marion St.
  • July 29 – Pinckneyville: Perry County Health Department, 907 S. Main St.
  • July 30 – Murphysboro: Murphysboro Summer Lunch at Murphysboro High School, 50 Blackwood Drive.

For more information, contact the SIU Dental Sealant Grant Program manager/site coordinator office at 618-453-8880.