Area legislators are urging residents to take advantage of a day of free dental care for children.

The Give Kids a Smile! program for children ages 12 & under is being sponsored on Friday by the N.J. Dental Association and will feature free dental services including screenings and restorative and emergency dental care.

In the Cumberland County area, the program will take place at the Cumberland County Technical Education Center on Bridgeton Avenue (Route 666) in the Rosenhayn section of Deerfield Township; call 451-9000.

Garden State dentists started the program in 2003 and, according to the association, have treated more than 13,000 children for free—equaling more than $2.4 million in dental care.

Third District legislators Senate President Stephen Sweeney, Assembly Deputy Speaker John Burzichelli and Assemblywoman Ce­leste Riley are encouraging their constituents and other area residents to take advantage of the program.

“Most people don’t realize it, but dental disease is the leading chronic childhood disease in America,” Sweeney says. “That’s especially unfortunate because tooth decay is preventable. Proper dental care for children can go a long way toward promoting a healthy lifestyle and this day of free health care is too good an opportunity to pass up.”

Burzichelli indicates there is no stigma and no excuse for parents not to take advantage of the program for their young children.

“The program has no means-testing, so parents can make an appointment for their children without having to reveal family income information,” he explains.

“So when you think about it, there’s no reason not to take advantage of this program. Few things in life are free, but on this day essential dental care for children will be just that.”

In her profession, Riley has seen first-hand how poor dental health can have an adverse effect on a youngster.

“As a teacher, I’ve seen the unfortunate impact poor health care can have on children, and we know untreated tooth decay can have a substantial impact on children’s overall health,” she says.

“It can mean lost time at school, costly medical bills, poor school performance and low self-esteem—but this can all be avoided.

“I urge our residents to take full advantage of this free care.”

For more information, visit the program’s website at njda.org/gkas

The program is also taking place at two other locations in the 3rd District:

• Dr. James Susack’s office in Pennsville, 678-2033.

• Gloucester County: CamCare in Paulsboro, 687-2200.