Nagging molar making you irritable?Afraid of going to the dentist? In an effort to educate the public and increase consumer awareness of dental health issues, members of the Virginian Academy of General Dentistry are trying to put dental dilemmas to rest by hosting the SmileLine, a national dental health hotline that consumers can
call to talk one-on-one with a dentist. (Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20010426/ACADDENLOGO )
During Dental Awareness Day on Saturday, November 3, 2001, consumers will have a chance to get dental advice from members of the Virginia Academy of General Dentistry. Anyone with questions or concerns about oral health can call the SmileLine, toll-free, at 1-800-SMILE-33 (1-800-764-5333) from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. EST.
Advice given during the SmileLine, which is celebrating its 10th national anniversary this year, has helped put more than 12,000 consumers' dental questions and fears to rest, and has strengthened and encouraged the patient's relationship with the dentist.
"Most people know that neglecting their oral health means risking cavities and gum disease," says Daniel Grabeel, DDS, FAGD, 2001 SmileLine coordinator. "We hope that this toll-free service will help answer difficult or embarrassing questions about dental and general health issues."
In recent years, researchers have found a connection between gum disease and coronary vascular disease, which can place people at risk for heart attacks and strokes. In individuals with diabetes, gum disease is associated with poor control of insulin levels. Pregnant women also need to be careful; gum disease can place pregnant women at risk for having low-birthweight babies.
"By seeking dental care on a more preventive and pro-active basis,
patients will aid their overall health," says Dr. Grabeel.
The SmileLine, dentistry's first national hotline, continues to raise
consumer awareness about oral health, new dental technology and the options available to maintain a healthy and beautiful smile.
The Academy's SmileLine Online section at www.agd.org enables consumers to post dental health questions online and have them answered by an Academy member dentist. Consumers can get names, addresses and phone numbers of up to three general dentists, by calling 1-877-2X-A-YEAR (1-877-292-9327) or by
visiting the Academy's Web site.
The Academy of General Dentistry is a non-profit organization of more than 37,000 general dentists dedicated to staying up-to-date in the profession through continuing education. A general dentist is the primary care provider for patients of all ages and is responsible for the diagnosis, treatment, management and overall coordination of services related to patient's oral health needs.
SOURCE Academy of General Dentistry
-0- 11/01/2001
/CONTACT: Dr. Daniel Grabeel, +1-804-846-5951, or Molly Eaton,
+1-888-243-3368 ext. 4341, both for Academy of General Dentistry/
/Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20010426/ACADDENLOGO
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org
PRN Photo Desk, +1-888-776-6555 or +1-212-782-2840/
/Web site: http://www.agd.org /
