In an unprecedented Black Friday Sale, Jefferson Dental Care is giving shoppers a chance to save more than half off the cost of orthodontics, offering a $2,000 all-in Black Friday sale on a full set of braces. There has never been a better time than now to pursue the healthy, glowing smile that you’ve always wanted.

“Although many patients seek a straighter smile, braces aren’t simply for aesthetics,” says Dr. Juan Rendon, MSD, Orthodontic Director for Jefferson Dental Care. “Braces correct misalignments in the teeth, dental issues that can cause daily issues with tasks such as eating, speaking, tooth or jaw pain, digestive issues and hygiene problems.”

Regular cost on braces can run patients upwards of $5,000 or more. This Black Friday sale encourages patients to take advantage of a special time to improve their health and save more than half off the cost of their care.  To receive the $2,000 Braces offer, patients must schedule a FREE orthodontic consultation during “Black Friday Week” starting 11/17 and ending 11/30, and pay the $2,000 in full at the start of treatment. 

Jefferson Dental offers 10 conveniently-located orthodontic offices in the DFW and Houston areas, as well as more than 58 offices that provide an array of general, cosmetic, family and emergency dental care services.

Want to take advantage of this special offer? Visit https://www.jeffersondentalclinics.com/appt/ortho-press or call (888) 959-7001 for details and to book an appointment. 

Inspiring young leaders isn’t an easy feat. The National Hispanic Institute (NHI), a leadership program, which serves more than 3,000 students across the nation each year, serves as a model to grow and shape young leaders to succeed in school and develop their mark on the world as adults. Unfortunately, limited finances and other barriers can put enrichment programs like the NHI out of reach for many students. As a part of its 50^th year anniversary celebration, Jefferson Dental Care is deepening its commitment to the Hispanic community through the launch of a scholarship program to pay half of the cost of NHI program fees for eligible students that apply on-site at one of its 53 dental offices.

“We recognize that accessibility and affordability can severely limit a student’s opportunity to participate in a program such as NHI,” says Marta Velasco, VP of Marketing for Jefferson Dental. “This is the next generation, and we reecho our mission to be a pillar in our community for the next 50 years, by supporting rising leaders in the neighborhoods we serve.”

Jefferson Dental is hoping to dissolve barriers by creating mini-application sites where students can receive more information about NHI programs, as well as fill out and turn in applications at any of the 53 Jefferson Dental offices. Students who are accepted are then eligible to receive the Jefferson Dental scholarship, which pays half of the tuition for the program.

“Supporting programs that help young people thrive creates a legacy of well-rounded, well-educated and conscientious young adults,” says Velasco. “Our neighbors have supported us for the last 50 years, they are our legacy, and this is one way we can give back as a thank you.”

NHI programs have a track record of success. More than 3,000 students are admitted to NHI programs every year. Of those, 98% of NHI alumni attend college, 90% graduate in 4 to 5 years, and 67% continue into advanced graduate studies. Moreover, NHI students receive mentorship, networking and the chance to step into leadership roles.

“The program helped me find my voice, in the sense that; we should understand that our opinions matter regardless of who we are or where we came for. It helped me become more responsible because others were looking up to me,” says Andrea Hernandez, NHI alumna and 3^rd year engineering student at Texas Tech University.

Andrea joined NHI as a 9^th grade student, and across 4 years of high school she rounded off her senior year as a team leader organizing younger student groups.

“The application process is easy, students can apply at the front desk of any of our dental offices and we send the paperwork from there,” says Velasco.

The NHI is a highly-competitive program with limited spots. Students must maintain a GPA of 3.2 or higher. The Jefferson Dental scholarship is available for students who apply at the front desk of any Jefferson Dental location. For more information on Jefferson Dental locations, how to apply and program deadlines, visit https://www.jeffersondentalclinics.com/nhi

At the start of the school year most kids will arrive back in the classroom with fresh shoes and a new backpack, but what they won’t come to school with is a healthy mouth. Tooth decay is the number one chronic childhood illness in America, 5 times more common than asthma and 4 times more prevalent than obesity.

More than half of all elementary school-aged children have had cavities in their primary teeth. Nearly one-quarter of young children will never receive treatment for their tooth decay. Minority children and children from lower socio-economic homes are at an even more critical risk of developing tooth decay than their peers.

“The beginning of the school year is a fresh start for so many kids, this is a perfect time to address one of the most crucial aspects of a child’s health; their oral health,” says Dr. Renee Townsend, DDS., Regional Dental Director for Jefferson Dental. “Many parents wait to address their child’s cavities because there is a misconception that baby teeth aren’t permanent and therefor don’t need treatment.”

At every stage, the health of the teeth and gums is important for maintaining a healthy body. Pain from poor oral health can affect a child’s ability to concentrate in school, speech and articulation, self-esteem and ability to eat. Furthermore, poor oral health has been linked to a number of chronic diseases in later life.

“Back to school is a time when routine and habits are formed, back to school is a great time to work with kids on their oral health habits,” says Dr. Townsend.

Use these tips to establish better oral health with your children:

• Teach the 2x2x2 rule. Brush and floss for two minutes twice daily, and visit the dentist twice each year.
• Make a routine to brush teeth in the morning before school and in the evening before bed.
• Limit sugary beverages like juice and soda, which can cause cavities.
• Create a dental care routine with all kids, including infants, adolescents and teens. The earlier that healthy habits are formed, the more likely that kids will follow the routine for life.
• Visit your dentist for dental sealants, a plastic protective coating applied to the back of your child’s teeth that can help further prevent decay.
• Finally lead by example by modeling healthy habits yourself.

 Moreover, teaching kids healthy habits from a young age creates a foundation for good oral health throughout life. JeffersonDental Clinics offers convenient evening and Saturday appointments, flexible financing options for general, orthodontics and cosmetic dentistry procedures, and an Exclusive Dental Discount plan to save members up to 60% off of treatment. For more dental care tips and resources visit www.jeffersondentalclinics.com 

Jefferson Dental, MD Kids and Walgreens have teamed up to bring Red Nose Day celebrations to North Texas. Red Nose Day is a single day to fundraise for programs that support health, nutrition, education, housing and basic necessities to children worldwide.

Join us at one of four participating MD Kids locations on May 26 from 1 to 4pm to make a donation, take a picture in an infamous red nose and enjoy family-friendly celebrations.

• MD Kids Wynnewood

Address: 655 W. Illinois Ave STE 916 Dallas, TX 75224

• MD Kids Saner

Address: 3201 W. Saner Ave Dallas, TX 75233

• MD Kids Garland

Address: 3050 S. 1^st Street STE #209 Garland TX, 75041

• MD Kids Fort Worth

Address: 800 8^th Avenue STE #200 Fort Worth, TX 76104

Benefiting charities of Red Nose Day include: Boys and Girls Clubs of America, Charity: Water, Children’s Health Fund, Covenant House, Feeding America, GAVI, The Global Fund, National Council of La Raza, National Urban League, Oxfam America y Save the Children. 

Join Jefferson Dental for a free, family-friendly health fair. Enjoy FREE dental and medical screenings, giveaways, bounce house for kids, refreshments, and register to donate blood to Carter BloodCare.

Date: Saturday, May 14th 2016

Location: 11255 Garland Rd #1410 Dallas, TX 75218

Time: 2:00pm-4:00pm

Activities:

• Bounce House 
• Free food and refreshments 
• Free dental screenings
• Free health screenings provided by Mi Doctor

Vendors:

• Mi Doctor
• BlueCross BlueShield
• Impact Fitness
• BBVA Compass
• In-Home Therapy
• Molina Healthcare
• Dallas Fire Department
• Carter BloodCare