March 15, 2008
Dr. DezBaa Damon and Dental Assistant Isaiah Anvil with a young patient at the Annual Sealant Clinic.
5th Annual Sealant Clinic
A Healthy Smile is Something to CHEER!
YKHC Dental Disease Prevention Program
February was National Children's Dental Health Month. For the occasion, the Dental Disease Prevention Program at YKHC teamed up with the staff at Mikelnguut Elitnaurviat and Ayaprun Elitnaurvik Elementary schools in Bethel to provide dental screenings, sealants and fluoride treatments for first graders.
A dental sealant is a plastic-like material that is placed on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth to fill in the grooves that trap plaque and create a smooth surface that is easier to keep clean. This age group was selected because their first permanent molars have recently come in, and the sooner a sealant is placed the less chance of decay. Sealants have a lifetime of perhaps three to five years or longer. This is a painless procedure that the children tolerate well.
The children received brushing instructions and all were given a new toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
A special thank you to Principals Carlton Kuhns and Agatha John Shields, secretary Kathleen Naneng, and the rest of the staff at ME Elementary School for making this event a success. Eighty-three students were screened and 179 sealants were placed.
Thanks to the staff from YKHC Dental Department: Dr. DezBaa Damon, Dental Hygienist Bob Ward and Dental Assistants Juliann Tinker, Isaiah Anvil, and Denise Anvil.