CWRU's School of Dentistry is sending out its own special kind of valentine this February through its "Have a Heart" Month program that aims to keep hearts healthy and smiles gleaming.

Throughout the month, the dental school will provide greater discounts on its already discounted charges for crowns, bridges and permanent full upper and lower dentures.

Ronald Occhionero, CWRU associate dean of clinical affairs, established the program to break down barriers that might prevent people from taking care of their oral health problems and to encourage more people to visit dentists. Researchers at CWRU have found that poor oral health has been linked to a number of health problems from heart disease to diabetes to pre-term labor.

The dental school operates dental clinics staffed by faculty and community dentists who supervise undergraduate and graduate dental students.

To qualify for the discounted work, the patient must enroll for treatment and be seen by the clinic staff during February. For some treatments, such as the crown, bridge and denture work, a down payment is required during February.

For appointments and to learn more about the program, call the CWRU Dental Clinic at 368-3200.