HARRISBURG, Pa., April 4, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- United Concordia Dental, the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine and the Cathedral of Praise Community Church will provide free dental exams to 100 Philadelphia area children this month.

"Today, more than one fourth of all children from ages 2 to 5 and half of those ages 12 to 15 are affected by tooth decay," said Jerome Blum, D.D.S., United Concordia corporate dental director. "Tooth decay is the most common chronic childhood disease -- five times more common than asthma. That's why we are partnering with these two organizations to provide free dental exams to children in need."

Exams, oral health education and instruction, and referrals for follow-up care will be provided at the church at 6400 Haverford Ave., from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Friday, April 8 and 2:30 - 4:30 p.m. on April 29.

University of Pennsylvania dental school students will provide free services to children, ages 18 months to 13 years, who participate in the Cathedral Learning Center and Motivational Achievement programs.

"Working with a variety of partners, we help deliver a number of free dental services, from exams to cleanings, X-rays to oral hygiene instruction, each year to children and adults in need," said Woody Greene, United Concordia community outreach coordinator. "Last year, we helped provide more than $1 million in free dental services across the nation to more than 5,000 children and adults with minimal or no insurance."

For more information, visit www.UnitedConcordia.com.

SOURCE United Concordia Dental