By Brenna Angel
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wuky/local-wuky-906877.mp3
LEXINGTON, Ky. -- – This summer break may be a good time to schedule an appointment with the dentist. Under a new state law, the Kentucky Board of Education requires children entering public school for the first time to submit proof of a dental screening or exam.
"The dental community pushed for this law because we felt like it was very important to get young people into a dental home as quickly as possible," says Jannella Spencer, coordinator of the Dental Hygiene Clinic at Bluegrass Community & Technical College in Lexington. "We see so much early childhood caries in Kentucky. Our state is known for its poor oral health and the number of two and four-year-olds with cavities is some of the highest in the nation."
The dental screening law takes effect this fall for kindergarten and first grade students. Parents will have until January 1st to submit proof of a dental screening.
The BCTC clinic is hosting a free dental screening this weekend for 3 to 8-year-olds. It will held Saturday, June 12 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 470 Cooper Drive, Oswald Building Room 250. To schedule an appointment, call (859) 246-6857.