In a collaborative effort to promote early dental health, preschoolers at the Central Street Head Start program in Turners Falls received free dental services over two days. This initiative was made possible through a partnership between the Community Health Center of Franklin County and J&S Smile Pros.
During the event, children were treated to a range of dental services, including teeth cleanings, tooth sealants, fluoride treatments, and X-rays. The program was open to all children, regardless of their parents’ dental insurance status. This collaboration is part of a broader initiative by the Community Health Center to work with school districts and preschools across Franklin County and the North Quabbin region.
Shannan Beaton, Compliance and Business Manager at the Community Health Center, highlighted the partnership with J&S Smile Pros, a mobile dental clinic. The health center has hired its own dental hygienist to manage the program, which currently involves 17 local schools participating in these “Dental Days.” Beaton praised the dedication of J&S Smile Pros’ dental hygienists, Jennifer Hauschild and Sara Jambard, saying, “They’re just going above and beyond.”
The mobile clinic was set up in a familiar space for the children, with pink lawn chairs and stuffed animals creating a welcoming environment. Community Health Center dental hygienist Sarie Whitehouse also participated in the clinic.
Hauschild noted that many children they see have never visited a dentist before, but the friendly approach helps them feel more at ease.
Seeing friends receive treatment also encourages cooperation. This experience can help instill lifelong healthy dental habits from an early age.
Pediatric dental care often faces inequities, particularly affecting children from lower-income households due to factors like access to insurance, race, and ethnicity, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC recommends participating in school dental sealant programs to increase equity in dental care. The partnership between the Community Health Center and J&S Smile Pros aligns with this recommendation by offering such services to help prevent cavities and promote equitable dental care for children.
