March 15, 2009
6th Annual Sealant Clinic: A Healthy Smile is Something to Cheer!
February was National Children’s Dental Health Month. To celebrate, 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 life-time 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, fluoride tooth paste. A special thank you to Principals Josh Gill and Agatha John Shields, secretary Kathleen Naneng, P-E teacher Jill Hoffman and the rest of the staff at M-E and Yupik Immersion Elementary School for making this event a success; 82 students were screened and 205 sealants were placed. Thanks to the dental staff from YKHC Dental Department: Dr. Ghazal Ringler, Dr. Tony Brusca, Lisa Woodard and Bob Ward—dental hygienists and dental assistants, Isaiah Anvil and Theresa Frank.
