Pediatric dentist, Maj. Kristofer Sivanich, exams 7-year-old Vivianna Acevedo during Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center's recent pediatric dental screenings. Looking on is Vivanna's mother, Staff Sgt. Milagros Acevedo, while her sister, 3-year-old Isabella, parties with her lollipop.
The free screenings were held February 15 and 16 in celebration of National Children's Dental Health Month and as part of CRDAMC's weeklong Patient Appreciation Week.
According to Dr. Sivanich, the screenings also were conducted to determine eligibility for the military's pediatric dental program that provides free dental care for children under 12 with medical dental needs. From the nearly 100 children screened, 16 military children qualified for the free dental care program at Billy Johnson Dental Clinic.
Overall, Dr. Sivanich said, the majority of the children he screened are in good oral health. Besides the screenings, the dentist dispensed oral-hygiene education to the parents offering them valuable tips such as the need to brush teeth twice daily and avoiding frequent snacking on sugary foods. He also recommends the first dentist visit within the first six 6 months of the eruption of the first tooth and that all children visit a dentist by the age of one.
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