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MILWAUKEE, Oct. 8, 2009 – An estimated 600 Head Start children in Waukesha and Milwaukee counties will receive dental exams, cleanings, fluoride treatments and instruction in daily oral hygiene practices valued at more than $30,000 and donated by area dental professionals, students and faculty during the 11th annual Head Start Dental Days.

Some 50 preschoolers will be welcomed at Waukesha County Technical College dental hygiene clinic, 800 Main St. in Pewaukee, this Saturday, Oct. 10, from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Another 550 children in the Milwaukee Public Schools and Social Development Commission Head Start programs will be cared for Saturday, Oct. 17 from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Marquette University School of Dentistry at 1801 W. Wisconsin Ave.

This annual oral health care and education event is organized by representatives from the Greater Milwaukee Dental Association, Wisconsin Dental Hygienists Association, Children’s Health Alliance of Wisconsin and Madre Angela Dental Clinic. Head Start Dental Days have provided 4,734 children with dental exams and care since 1999.

More than 200 volunteer dentists and dental hygienists, along with student clinicians and dental hygiene program faculty from MUSOD, WCTC and Milwaukee Area Technical College will donate their time and skills. Volunteers from MPS and Milwaukee and Waukesha county Head Start programs will also help out.

Supplies are provided by Henry Schein Dental and Omnii/3M. WDA Insurance Programs, Inc. will provide lunch for volunteers at MUSOD.

“This charitable outreach helps Head Start youngsters comply with the preschool program’s annual dental exam requirement, while giving dental professionals an opportunity to examine uninsured and underserved children. It also provides dental and dental hygiene students with valuable clinical experience,” says Dr. Tom Raimann, event chair and trustee for the Wisconsin Dental Association’s Greater Milwaukee Region Three.

The Wisconsin Dental Association was established in 1870. With more than 2,900 members statewide, the WDA represents 83 percent of all licensed, practicing dentists in Wisconsin. WDA members are committed to promoting professional excellence and quality oral health care. The WDA is headquartered in West Allis and has a legislative office in Madison. It is one of 53 state-territorial dental societies of the American Dental Association. The Greater Milwaukee Dental Association serves Milwaukee County. For more information on the WDA, call 414-276-4520 or visit www.wda.org.