PERIDOT - The San Carlos Apache Healthcare Corporation’s (SCAHC) Dental Clinic recently held its second Annual National Children’s Dental Health Month celebration in conjunction with the Native Connection’s Strong Teeth Strong Kid campaign and the American Dental Association’s Give Kids a Smile campaign.
The event was a collaboration between SCAHC’s Dental, SDPI Community Outreach and Marketing as well as Public Health Nursing, Maternal Child Health, First Things First, Fire Prevention, Wellness Prevention and the San Carlos Unified School District #20.
Ensuring the atmosphere was child-friendly, a Disney themed event drew in over 300 participants.
“The event was a success,” said Dr. Arcelia Gonzalez, DDS., one of SCAHC’s pediatric dentist. “It was a fun event that was also educational for all of the community kids. They received their fluoride varnish which is important for keeping their teeth healthy but they also had the opportunity to learn other ways to keep their teeth healthy. We were also able to familiarize them with the dental clinic so that they are more comfortable with each visit.”
The event was an opportunity for the dental staff to screen patients and provide fluoride treatments. The dental assistants also used this time to familiarize patients with the different dental instruments like the water gun and air suction to show children that they have nothing to be afraid of when they visit our dental team.
The Strong Teeth Strong Kid campaign focuses on American Indian children between the ages of 1-5. This is because statistically they have the highest rate of tooth decay in the United States.
Children with tooth decay may experience pain and infection, leading to difficulty concentrating and learning as well as missing school days and potentially undergoing oral surgery.
Poor oral health has also been linked to various diseases including diabetes, obesity and heart disease, the campaign’s focus is to avoid all of those negative outcomes by teaching proper oral care and nutrition at the earliest ages to protect their teeth for years to come.
Community partners had informational booths set up to teach proper nutrition and brushing habits to maintain healthy teeth.
Fluoride treatments are required a couple times a year by the Head Start program, so in addition to being a field trip for students, they also fulfilled one of their required treatments.
“The event went really well and we were focused on getting a lot of little kids in,” said pediatric hygienist Fern Dewey.
“We were able to give them the decorations from the wall and they got to take a little bit of the event back with them. I am excited to do this again next year and we are looking to expand the program.”
She said they want to invite more of the local schools next year and have them also use it as a field trip day like the Head Start programs.
February is National Children’s Dental Health Month. Please call 928-475-1480 to make an appointment, SCAHC looks forward to serving patients and providing healthy smiles.
