OREM — Melissa Cordova Patricio, a first-grader at Westmore Elementary School, walked out of her dental appointment on Wednesday with a big smile. She proudly held up the stickers she had received after her check-up.
Melissa is one of more than 60 children benefiting from free dental care and education right at her school.
“We partner with the elementary school to offer dental care to students who may not have access to it otherwise. It’s a chance for us to work with the kids, and they’re always so adorable,” said Gracie Miller, a UVU junior in the dental hygiene program.
For the past three years, UVU dental hygiene students have set up a mobile clinic at Westmore Elementary. During the spring semester, the students visit twice a week to provide cleanings, exams, fluoride varnishes, X-rays, and even sealants for children who need them.
While dental hygiene students typically practice on adults at the UVU clinic, the opportunity to work with young children has been a valuable experience, Miller explained.
“Even though they’re so young, a lot of them don’t like to smile because of dental issues. It’s rewarding to see them grow more confident after we help them,” she said.
The mobile clinic has filled a significant need at Westmore Elementary, according to Principal Vic Larsen. Helping students with their dental health has not only improved their physical well-being but also led to better attendance, stronger academic performance, and increased self-confidence.
“This program is a huge benefit for our school,” Larsen said. “Students who come through this program aren’t shy anymore.
They’re not suffering from dental pain, and it’s made a huge difference in their overall well-being.”
Larsen shared the story of a student from the previous year who had been missing a lot of school. Upon reaching out to her family, he learned that she was dealing with severe dental pain but couldn’t afford treatment.
After referring the family to the free dental program at the school, the student received an exam and was diagnosed with several cavities and the need for a root canal. The UVU dental hygiene team connected the family with a dentist who performed the necessary work pro bono.
“After receiving treatment, her attendance improved dramatically, and her academic performance soared,” Larsen said.
Another example involved a younger student who had been constantly crying at school. The teachers couldn’t figure out why she was upset. After enrolling the student in the dental program, it was discovered she had cavities in every tooth.
Once her dental issues were addressed and her family received guidance on proper oral care, the student stopped crying and no longer experienced pain.
“I love how UVU teaches these kids how to brush and floss their teeth, and they leave with a goody bag,” said Larsen. “The kids feel empowered, and they absolutely love it.”
Beyond benefiting the children, the program also offers valuable hands-on experience for the UVU dental hygiene students.
It allows them to work with young patients and gain exposure to dental issues they might not encounter in a typical adult-focused clinic.
“This program gives students the chance to learn how to treat children and how to adjust their treatment plans accordingly,” said Deborah Dowd, a UVU instructor. “It also helps us teach kids the importance of oral health and how to care for their teeth.”
The UVU dental hygiene mobile clinic is making a lasting impact, not only by improving the dental health of the children but by also strengthening the connection between UVU students and the local community.
