Hudson Headwaters Health Network
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Our mission is to improve the oral health of North Country children, especially those that are not currently receiving regular dental care, by expanding access to no-cost preventative dental services and promoting oral health education.

Healthy Smiles, our School-Based Dental program provides convenient access to preventive dental services and education to children throughout our communities. Our traveling, onsite dental program brings a dental team and portable equipment to area schools and organizations.

Families are not charged for services. If your child has dental insurance, we will bill the insurance company for dental services but there are no out-of-pocket costs (i.e. copays) to families for the services provided. If your child does not have health insurance our services are provided at no cost.

Our services include dental screening, cleaning, sealants, fluoride treatment and if needed, a referral to a local participating dentist for additional treatment including filling cavities and other restorative work.

About

In January 2017, Hudson Headwaters Health Network implemented Healthy Smiles, a School-Based Dental Program designed to provide no-cost preventive dental services to school-aged children in qualifying schools in the North Country Region. In collaboration with a General Dentist, New York State Registered Dental Hygienists visit participating schools twice a year (fall/spring), providing preventive dental services, including oral health education, dental screenings, cleanings, fluoride treatments and dental sealants (if applicable). Upon completion of care, children receive an oral health report form indicating the services provided and a goody bag that includes a toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, a two-minute timer and more!

All students attending grades Pre-K through 12 (depending on the school) are welcome to participate and receive the no-out-of-pocket-cost preventive dental services. Families are not charged, only insurance companies, if applicable. A parent/guardian-signed consent form is required to participate in the Healthy Smiles program.

Since launching in January 2017, Healthy Smiles has visited 30 schools in Essex, Warren, Washington, and Saratoga Counties, serving over 3,500 children. With community support, Healthy Smiles will continue to expand in designated counties to increase access to preventive dental services for children. To qualify, schools must have 45 percent or more of their student population receiving free or reduced lunch. For a list of participating schools, see the tentative schedule.

If you have questions about this program, please contact Piperlea Chico, RDH, Program Director at 518-764-3036 or email at pchico@hhhn.org

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