Ann Arbor, MI — January 17, 2006 — University of Michigan School of Dentistry dental and dental hygiene students and faculty members, will team up on Saturday, February 18, to offer free oral health screenings to the public.

Residents of Ann Arbor and surrounding communities are invited to receive the free screenings between 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. at the dental school which is located on the Central Campus at 1011 N. University Avenue. No appointment is necessary. However, patients will be seen on a first-come, first-served basis.

Individuals regardless of income, and as young as five, will be able to receive free x-rays, oral cancer screenings, tooth decay examinations, and instructions on proper oral health care. However, treatments will not be provided.

"This is a good opportunity for the public to get an idea of the status of their oral health," said third-year dental student Ben Wickstra who's leading the efforts. "If anyone needs follow-up care, they can always arrange that with us here at the dental school or with their family dentist if they need to."

Patients attending Dental Health Day can park for free in the Patient Parking Area (upper level) at the Fletcher Street Parking Garage next to the School of Dentistry. When they arrive at the gate, patients must press the green button for the gate to rise. Although they will receive a parking ticket as the gate rises, they will not have to pay. Parking is free for that day only.

For more information about Dental Health Day, call the University of Michigan School of Dentistry at (734) 763-6933 or toll-free (888) 707-2500.

The University of Michigan School of Dentistry is one of the nation's leading dental schools engaged in oral health care education, research, patient care, and community service. General dental care clinics and specialty clinics providing advanced treatment enable the School to offer dental services and programs to patients throughout Michigan. Classroom and clinic instruction prepare future dentists, dental specialists, and dental hygienists for practice in private offices, hospitals, academia, and public agencies. Research seeks to discover and apply new knowledge that can help patients worldwide. For more information about the School of Dentistry, visit the Web at: www.dent.umich.edu.

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