In honor of National Children’s Dental Health Month, Lake Washington’s Dental Hygienists’ Society is offering a free preventive dental program for children ages 6-13, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 4.

During the event, state-registered dental hygienists and Lake Washington Institute of Technology (LWIT) dental hygiene students will place dental sealants.

Exams (provided by licensed dentists), bitewing x-rays, and fluoride varnish (a value of more than $300) will also be provided to children who would otherwise not receive this cavity-prevention treatment due to a lack of insurance.

Children whose teeth cannot be sealed due to decay may have their cavities filled at a later date at the LWIT Dental Clinic at no charge.

Sealants are non-toxic white coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of molars to protect teeth from cavities. The painless process can protect children’s teeth for 6-8 years, and is typically done in less than an hour.

“We’re thrilled to have this opportunity to provide dental care to children in need,” said Danette Lindeman, RDH, BS and event chair at LWIT. “Everyone involved in this event is volunteering their time – the dental professionals, students and even LWIT staff – so we can help up to 150 kids get this valuable service.”

Space is limited. To reserve a place in LWIT’s Dental Sealant Day, please call the LWIT dental clinic at (425) 739-8130.

LWIT’s Dental Clinic offers low-cost dental treatments to the general public. To see a list of procedures and costs, please visit the website at www.lwtech.edu/dentalclinic.