Public Health Dental Clinic Services reopens

The Division of Public Health Services is pleased to announce the reopening of the Public Health Dental Clinic Services.

Made possible through a grant by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration, the main goal of the Dental Clinic is to provide access to oral health care to our most vulnerable population, including children aged 0-19 years, pregnant women, and underserved adults. Key initiatives in reaching such goal includes:

-Increasing preventive baby visits by their first birthday or eruption of first tooth

-Continuing the fluoride varnish program at the Head Start Centers

-Continuing the sealant application program as needed for 1st, 2nd, 5th, and 6th graders

-Implement oral health campaigns targeted for children to increase their awareness on early intervention of dental caries.

The PH Dental Clinic will continue to promote access to oral health services for our school-aged children through oral health promotion and disease prevention services specifically through the School Dental Program and outreach activities such as those at the WIC Clinic and day care centers. The PH Dental Clinic services includes dental health and oral hygiene education, brushing and flossing instructions (at the PH Dental Clinic), oral examination, and fluoride varnish and sealant applications. The PH Dental Clinic will also be re-establishing the fluoride varnish application services at the Head Start Centers and the sealant application activity for 1st, 2nd, 5th, and 6th graders at Public School System very soon.

Additionally, the clinic offers patients a range of preventive and curative services such as examinations, cleaning, x-rays, extractions, fillings, crowns, root canals, and gum disease therapy. It is staffed by one dentist, a dental hygienist and four support staff. Communication with resident directors from Rota and Tinian has been established to offer dental services in the two islands.

“We’re looking forward to partnering with our local community, including parents and schools. Their involvement, engagement, and support are important to decreasing childhood dental caries. Evidence shows that oral diseases share important common risk factors with the four leading chronic diseases—diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and chronic respiratory diseases—including unhealthy diet, tobacco use, and excessive alcohol,” said Roxanne Diaz, Public Health director.

The Dental Clinic is now open to see patients. To make an appointment or to get more information, call 236-8369 from 7:30am to 11:30am and 12:30pm to 4:30pm, Monday through Friday (except holidays). Walk-ins are also accepted. [I](PR)[/I]