Hudson Headwaters Launches School-Based Dental Program
Nearly 3,500 area youngsters will have the opportunity to receive services from the mobile dental program offered by Hudson Headwaters Health Network. The program, which began this week at Hudson Falls Intermediate School, brings a dental team and portable equipment to area schools. The program focuses on prevention and education.
“We’ve had a welcoming response from the nine schools that will offer this program to their students,” said Christine Morine, Director of Administrative Services. “By bringing dental services directly to children, we will lessen the travel burden for families in the region and improve prevention of dental disease.”
Students will receive a full oral health assessment and education on the importance of oral health. Treatments will include cleanings, fluoride and sealant applications. Parents/guardians of children in need of additional treatment, such as fillings and other restorative care, will be given referral choices for a local dentist. Hudson Headwaters’ dental center in Warrensburg is among the referral options.
After Hudson Falls Intermediate School, the mobile dental team is scheduled to visit Hudson Falls Primary School, the Kindergarten Center in Washington County, four elementary schools in Glens Falls and two elementary schools in Queensbury. Hudson Headwaters plans to bring these preventive services to other communities including schools in the towns of Fort Edward, Moriah, Ticonderoga and Warrensburg. “We also hope to work with Head Start programs throughout the region,” Morine said.
The program is funded by a $350,000 annual award to Hudson Headwaters from the federal Health Resources and Services Administration within Health and Human Services. Hudson Headwaters applied for the grant because of its knowledge of the health care needs of area children. We provide onsite physicals, policy development and medical coverage at sporting events. Hudson Headwaters is the main source of patient referrals from the school health programs.
For more information, please contact Piperlea Chico, Mobile Oral Health Services Program Coordinator at 761-0300 ext. 31128 or Pchico@hhhn.org