ELANCO Brings Mobile Dentists To Students

To encourage students in the ELANCO School District to develop healthy smiles, certified school nurse Joy Hoover employs a three-pronged approach that includes examinations, education, and visits from Smile Program ... The Mobile Dentists.

"The Smile Program goes into each of our elementary and secondary schools," noted Hoover. The mobile team performs cleanings and X-rays, and members can apply fluoride and sealants to a student's teeth. "There's a pediatric dentist on the team, and sometimes they do smaller fillings and restorations," said Hoover. The mobile care team is scheduled a year in advance, and once a student is seen by the team, a six-month reminder is sent to the student to make sure care can continue. The program also collects insurance information and bills accordingly.

Students who need extensive dental work are referred to a local dentist. Hoover noted that if insurance is not available, students who qualify may benefit from a family assistance fund administered by district social workers. Parents can sign a child up to participate in a mobile dental visit at http://www.mobiledentist.com.

Students in kindergarten or first, third, and seventh grades, where dental checks are required, will be seen by the school dentist, a role that is filled by Garden Spot Dental. "These are the (grades) where the state says the majority of children have the biggest changes going in in their mouths," said Hoover. The school dentist performs a visual examination, and families are encouraged to follow up with their own dentist based on the findings.

Hoover said that education about dental health topics is focused on children in kindergarten through third grade. Before the advent of COVID-19 restrictions, local dentists would visit schools to give presentations about home care techniques. "Schools have opened up again (to allowing visitors)," Hoover said. "We are looking forward to starting that (dental visit) program up again."

Hoover noted that working with Smile Program has gone smoothly and that the group may meet the dental needs of up to 50 students in a two- or three-day period, setting up in conference rooms or other open spaces to provide care.

Raising parental awareness of the dental programs offered by the district means more students may take part and benefit from healthier smiles. Readers who would like to learn more about the ELANCO School District may visit http://www.elanco.org.