SMILES ACROSS AMERICA - Free Dental Screenings, Sealants, Family Fun on NOVEMBER 16

	(Scanews) Children, ages 5-12, from throughout the St. Louis area are invited to take part in the debut of SMILES ACROSS AMERICA, on Saturday, November 16th, at the Saint Louis University Center for Advanced Dental Education, 3320 Rutger, from 9am - 4pm.
 
	The innovative program will offer free dental screenings, free sealants, oral cancer screenings, dental care referrals, educational exhibits and family fun that will raise awareness about good oral health.
 
	Lois Reynolds, Program Director for SMILES ACROSS AMERICA, commented on the urgency of this new initiative, "Undiagnosed dental disease is the #1 chronic health problem among America's most vulnerable children.  This is a silent epidemic that not only causes tooth loss, but can also lead to chronic medical problems later in life.  SMILES ACROSS AMERICA can make a big difference.  Our free dental screenings, sealants, and oral health awareness programs will help many children in St. Louis.  We invite the community to join us for this important day."
 
	Free transportation to and from Saint Louis University will be available from three pickup/ drop off points:  Mathews-Dickey Boys & Girls Club, 4245 N. Kingshighway; Herbert Hoover Boys & Girls Club, 2901 N. Grand; and the Frye Dental Group, 7843 Olive Blvd.  Shuttles will pickup/drop off at 9am, 11am, 1pm and 3pm.  All children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
 
	SMILES ACROSS AMERICA is an Oral Health America program, sponsored in part by Saint Louis University, Southern Illinois University, Allegiant Bank, KMOX Radio, Patterson Dental Supply, Carol House Furniture, Young Innovations, Stir Crazy, Cardinals Care and the St. Louis Labor Council, AFL-CIO.