will focus on senior citizens.

The week is a co-operative effort between the Ministry of Health, Nutrition Services, the Bermuda Dental Association, and the Aged & Handicapped Association.

The aim is to help seniors become more aware of the importance of good dental health and nutrition, and to alert them to the fact that dental health problems can be serious; can often be prevented; and can be treated.

"Usually, when dealing with Dental Health Week, we focus on children so this year we decided to focus on our senior citizens because a lot of them, whether they still have their natural teeth or dentures, are not aware of problems that exist,'' Government dental hygienist Mrs. Brenda Harris-Scott, explained.

"The week is basically an awareness programme.'' To that end, a busy schedule of activities has been drawn up, beginning with the official opening at Admiralty House, Spanish Point by Premier Sir John Swan and a group of relevant dignitaries, including the Minister of Health and the president of the Bermuda Dental Association.

On Tuesday, May 10 there will be a dental bingo/tea at Admiralty House. While on Wednesday, May 11, Dr. Corliss Furbert and Mrs. Roseann Pitcher will speak on dental health and seniors at the St. George's Community Centre.

A caregivers' workshop, in which Department dentist Dr. Rhonda Switzer and Government nutritionist Mrs. Barnum-Branco will participate, is scheduled for the Hamilton Fire Station hall on May 12.

The week will end with free health and dental screening at Cathedral Hall on Church Street from 12.30 p.m. to 3 p.m.

"If there are problems we will make the person aware of them. A lot of seniors have had a problem for so long they just feel it's part of growing old,'' Mrs. Harris-Scott said. "We will let them know it's not natural and they can be helped.'' Information booths will also be manned by dental staff at this event.

Full details of Dental Week activities will be found in next week's Bermuda Calendar.