Protect your child's smile - Education - MiamiHerald.com

In fluoridated Miami: "PATCH program dentists and volunteers have found that many students show signs of decay and gum disease, Utset-Ward says.

``It is really sad to see a child in pain when it is a problem that is easily treated,'' she says."

"Over the past two years, Utset-Ward has treated more than 5,000 students and found that 58 percent of the children have dental problems, such as cavities, gingivitis and decay. Children with problems are referred to their own dentists, but statistics showed that only 9 percent were fully treated, 24 percent were partially treated and 67 percent were not treated at all."