The Pediatric Dental Program
The need for essential dental services has never been greater.
HANDS partners with St. Lucie County School District to provide dental health education, dental screenings, and referrals for treatment to pre-school and elementary students. The lack of basic dental services for uninsured children and their families are negatively impacting our children’s readiness to learn.
This project has served over 1,200 uninsured St. Lucie County children at local schools, daycares, and summer camps. The HANDS Pediatric Dental Project presents a collaborative way to contribute to the oral health of St. Lucie County children who due to their economic status are at greatest risk.
NEWS RELEASE: Oral Health Coalition of St. Lucie County Announces Expansion of HANDS Pediatric Dental Program to 5 New Schools
January 16, 2012 (Fort Pierce)
HANDS Pediatric Dental Mobile Clinic will add 5 new schools to its student dental screenings this school year. The Oral Health Coalition, working closely with St. Lucie County Schools and the St. Lucie County Health Department, will now offer screenings to students at St. Lucie Elementary, Sam Gains Academy, Lawnwood Elementary, Northport K-8 School, Savanna Ridge Elementary School. If funding allows, free dental screenings will also be held for students at Lakewood Park Elementary, and Fort Pierce Magnet School Of The Arts. The lack of basic dental services for uninsured children and their families are negatively impacting our children’s readiness to learn. Children that have dental decay and pain have problems speaking, concentrating in school, eating solid food, and with behavior.
Participating children at the mobile clinic are screened for dental decay and dental hygiene habits. Children also receive oral health education, a toothbrush dental package, and a referral to a dentist if necessary.
"The St. Lucie County Health Access Network and Oral Health Coalition are excited to bring our pediatric dental program to more schools. In its second year, this program is already demonstrating remarkable results in improving children's oral health. We would love to be able to bring this program to every school in our county." said St. Lucie County Health Department Director, and HANDS President of the Board of Directors, Larry Lee.
“Through the support of our major funding partners, United Way of St. Lucie County, The Early Learning Coalition, St. Lucie County School District, and the Children’s Services Council of St. Lucie County, we are now able to expand our program into the Port St. Lucie area, where the need is just as prominent as other areas of the county.” said HANDS Executive Director Doug Anderson.
HANDS Pediatric Dental staff needs your help to collect 8,000 toothbrushes to allow for all students who need screenings to get dental care and education. You can drop toothbrushes at the Health department, or the HANDS Clinic.
See our Pediatric Dental Brochure
Pediatric Dental Success Story
Hello, I’m Ervin Valcin, RDH of the HANDS Pediatric Dental Program. I have the best job in the world. I have the opportunity to help children receive dental care, dental treatment, and educate children and parents on how accomplish proper oral health care. We started this program on September 27, 2010. This program all began because there was a very significant need for dental care with our children. The first two elementary schools that we screened showed that 70% of children needed to be referred for dental care. During the first year of the program to my surprise I saw child that did not have a toothbrush, never brushed their teeth, had oral abscesses, and many children had 1 to 12 sites of decay in their mouth.
We go to elementary schools and preschools with the Early Learning Coalitions. We perform a dental screening which includes an oral examination and dental history. These results are documented and a letter is sent home for the parents and refers them to a dental provider. In addition, we also follow up with the parents via phone call, and by the directors at the preschools to make sure these children are being treated. Education is also provided for the child and parents about dental and overall health.
Children that have dental decay and pain have problems speaking, concentrating in school, eating solid food, and with behavior. These children are our future, so we are doing our best to invest in them. Please give us a helping hand. Our children are depending on it.
Ervin high-fives a student who just aced his dental exam.
For more information on how to have your child's class signed up for a free dental screening, email info@handsofslc.org