We have been working closely with the Henderson Community College Dental Hygiene Program to address the increasing number of children with oral health needs, including the need for dental cleanings, sealants, oral health education and restorative care. Below is a summary of where we are today in working towards addressing some of these issues.
CHILDREN'S FREE DENTAL CLINIC
The West AHEC in partnership with the Dental Hygiene Program at the Henderson Community College has established a free dental clinic for children in our AHEC designated counties.
We are currently recruiting dentists from the area to volunteer their time in providing free dental care to children at our clinics. Children participating in the clinic receive complete dental examinations including x-rays, dental cleanings, fluoride treatment, sealants applied if needed, oral health instruction and restorative work if needed. Henderson Community College Dental Hygiene and Dental Assisting Students participate in providing care along with Dental Students from the University of Louisville who work under the direct supervision of a dentist on site. We attempt to have a Children’s Free Dental Clinic one day per month, September through April.
The Spring 2007 dates are TBA. For more information, to schedule an appointment, or if you are a dentist interested in volunteering your time, please contact Natalie Begley at 1-800-357-8801.
The Clinic was established to provide diagnostic and treatment services to children who do not have dental insurance or financial resources necessary to pay for private insurance and/or dental care. Free care is offered with mutual respect and dignity to the following group:
- Children whose families would experience financial hardship in order to receive dental care.
- Children who would not receive dental care due to lack of money.
- Children who do not have any other insurance to pay for dental care.
ORAL HEALTH PROJECT
West AHEC helps to provide oral health education by participating in health fairs and back to school rallies. Mr. Clean Mouth and Mr. Gross Mouth, dental models are used to demonstrate proper brushing techniques and the dangers of tobacco products. Many school age children throughout our fourteen county region have been given new toothbrushes and toothpaste as an incentive to practice the oral health education given by West AHEC staff.
For more information on any of these projects, please contact the West AHEC office at 1-800-357-8801 or at 270-824-3442.
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