Professional dental care can prevent oral disease, improve overall health and even improve self-esteem. But for some area children, dental care is unavailable because of financial constraints, lack of insurance or geographic limitations.
The Delta Dental Mobile Program, in partnership with the Brookings Area United Way, offers state-of-the-art dental care “on-the-road,” equipped with dental chairs, x-ray machines, and all the necessary tools for dentists and technicians to alleviate dental problems for children. Services include preventive care like cleanings, sealants and fluoride treatments; diagnostic services such as exams and x-rays; and restorative care including fillings and extractions. Professionals also are able to educate the children and their parents about the importance of regular dental hygiene and check-ups.
The Brookings Rotary Club is sponsoring one full week of Delta Dental services for area children, thanks to a $3,527 grant from District 5610 that was matched by the local club. In addition to the financial support, Rotarians are spending four afternoons throughout the year packing 1,000 dental kits that are given to children and their families, including toothbrushes, toothpaste, mouthwash and floss. And to make the visits a little more fun, Rotarians also are sponsoring coloring books and crayons for the children.
Heidi Gullickson, Brookings Area United Way executive director, noted that the Rotary grant is allowing more children access to the dental care they need.
“The Delta Dental Mobile Program brings quality care right to our community for those who do not have access to a dentist. This program removes barriers and builds healthy futures. Access to this type of care cuts down on missed school days and missed workdays for the parents,” said Gullickson.
Gullickson added that when a child is suffering from dental issues, there are ramifications beyond the obvious. “We all know the discomfort and pain that is associated with dental issues, but we often forget about the ripple effect that it can have. When a child is in pain, their nutrition suffers, their sleep suffers, and their ability to concentrate and learn suffers.” At a recent Delta Dental appointment day, 45 children and young people under the age of 21 were treated with services valued at more than $39,000.
Brookings Rotarian Michael Gonda, who wrote the grant, noted that this is exactly the type of community project Rotary is pleased to support. “By partnering with the United Way and Delta Dental, we are able to combine resources and expertise to make this a very impactful project for area children,” Gonda said. “Young people with access to proper medical and dental care are more successful and better positioned to grow into adults who will someday give back to the community that supported them.
“Brookings Rotary is very proud to support area children with the Delta Dental project, and we look forward to more opportunities for similar projects in the future,” added Gonda.
For more information about the Delta Dental Mobile Program, contact the Brookings Area United Way at 605-692-4979.
