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Reestablishing a School-Based Oral Health Program in Southeast Columbia County

Improve Community Assets
School-Based Health
Organization: Healthy Capital District Initiative
Grant: $8,644
Grant Year: 2019
County: Columbia
State: NY

FCH made a grant to Healthy Capital District Initiative to bring its Seal-a-Smile program to Taconic Hills Central School District. HCDI used funds to replace aged portable sterilization equipment, operator stools, hygiene handpieces, patient chair cushions and carrying bags.

School-based oral health programs work: dental sealants are a proven form of prevention for tooth decay and school-based sealant programs have been found to be the most cost-effective way to reach children that are at the greatest risk of cavities. Tooth decay is one of the most common chronic conditions of children in the United States. Approximately 1 in 5 (20%) children aged 5 to 11 years have at least one untreated decayed tooth. School-based sealant programs have been found to be the most cost-effective way to reach children that are at the greatest risk of cavities. Brooker Memorial has become indispensable resourcs in our rural community, providing essential services that would otherwise be unavailable to many of our region’s children.