HAYDEN - Middle- and high school-age students from low-income families will receive dental screenings, fluoride varnish, dental sealants, education and home dental supplies at no cost to them at the Panhandle Health District (PHD) Holiday Teen Dental Party on Thursday.

The party at the PHD office in Hayden, 8500 N. Atlas Road, will include fun snacks, door prizes, a movie and much more. A limited number of vouchers for free follow-up care may be available pending donations from local dental offices. Students from all five northern counties are invited to participate. PHD's goal is to serve at least 75 students. The party is scheduled from 2 to 7 p.m.

The services provided teens normally cost as much as $400, and that amount doesn't include the gift certificates to restaurants, ice rinks, music and more that local businesses donate as door prizes.

Dental sealants are a plastic resin material that is brushed onto the chewing surfaces of permanent molars. The sealant reduces the risk of cavities occurring on the chewing surfaces of those teeth.

Fluoride varnish is a liquid coating brushed onto teeth. Fluoride varnish provides a protective coating that release fluoride over several months to strengthen teeth and help prevent decay.

Appointments are needed for services at the party. For an appointment, call 415-5143 by 4:30 p.m. Wednesday. Students also will need a parent or guardian signature of consent for treatment.

Forms will be available at the event. They are also on the PHD website: www.phd1.idaho.gov under Children's Services, then Oral Health.