Tough teeth to face the future

The Blaine Family Service Center is encouraging all primary and elementary school students to participate in the Preventive Oral Health Care Program located at Blaine schools.

“Dental decay is one of the most common health problems in children and can lead to more serious illness if left untreated,” said Andree Marcus at the Family Service Center. “Luckily it is also one of the most preventable as well. Last year over 30 percent of the children seen by the on campus clinic were referred for additional care due to serious dental decay, another 30 percent were showing the beginning signs of dental decay due to lack of regular dental care. The Family Service Center is committed to the health and well-being of the children in our community and invites your child to participate.”

Students who have Medicaid coupons, Basic Health Plus, Healthy Options, or CHIP, or are eligible for these programs and do not have dental care every six months are eligible to receive preventive dental services through this program. Service includes oral health assessment, teeth cleaning, fluoride treatment, preventive education, sealant diagnosis and placement, parent follow-up, and referrals for treatment of dental problems to local Medicaid/CHIP approved dentist Patrick Rooney.

The visit dates for the Preventive Oral Health Program, a collaborative project of the Blaine Family Service Center, Blaine School District and Preventive Dental Services Inc. are October 7 -11. The deadline for returning a signed permission slip was October 1 but Marcus said there was still a chance latecomers could sign up by calling the center at 332-7179. “If you miss this one there will be another one in the spring,” she added.

For questions or additional information, contact Marcus at 332-7179. .

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