Woonsocket and Forestburg – Members of the Horizon Health Plankinton Dental Team provided free dental screenings and fluoride to Woonsocket and Sanborn Central schools grades Pre-K through 12 in March and April to encourage good oral hygiene habits that make healthy teeth and gums. 

As part of its community outreach, Horizon provides medical and dental screenings to schools when requested at no cost to the school. Dental Operations Manager Kim Ball and Registered Dental Hygienist Katti Paul completed the dental screenings. 

Students received oral screenings and were able to talk to dental staff about good dental hygiene during the procedure.

“It’s important to start positive dental habits early,” Michelle Scholtz, Horizon’s Chief Dental Officer said. “Each year during our Smiles for Miles program we find a significant number of children who already have dental issues. Anything we can do to get kids to care for their teeth makes a difference in lifelong dental health.” 

During the month of October, Horizon sponsors its Smiles for Miles program that provides free dental cleanings, a checkup and fluoride treatment to children 0-5 years old. Anyone is eligible for the program regardless of income. Of the 173 children seen during Smiles for Miles in 2024, 31 percent had identified tooth decay. 

Horizon encourages parents to schedule their child’s first dental visit six months after the first tooth emerges or within their first year of life. It’s important to help children become comfortable with the dentist early, promote good dental care, avoid anxiety about seeing the dentist and to detect any issues that might occur. 

To make brushing more enjoyable for young kids, use a soft-bristled brush and a child-sized amount of toothpaste. Give stickers for good dental habits, play music while they brush or use brushing apps. It’s important for children to see the dentist every six months for cleanings and exams. Along with dental check-ups and care, avoiding sugary snacks and juices helps avoid cavities. Instead, help build strong teeth by offering fruits, vegetables and cheese and encourage drinking water. 

Oral health is closely linked to overall physical health. Poor dental hygiene can lead to infections that affect behavior, sleeping, learning and if allowed to go untreated, increase the rates of heart disease or memory issues. 

Horizon has dental clinics in seven communities: Alcester, De Smet, Howard, Martin, Plankinton, Wessington Springs and Yankton. For more information on dental care at Horizon Health go to https://www.horizonhealthcare.org/dental/.

…See a picture in this week’s issue of the Sanborn Weekly Journal!