As the school year begins, it’s important to remember the impact that oral health and hygiene have on kids’ lives and education. A 2018 study revealed that U.S. children ages 5-17 lose a collective 34.4 million school hours annually due to acute or unplanned dental care. At Delta Dental of Colorado Foundation, we are proud to fund organizations doing essential work in communities across the state to improve oral and overall health.
One of Delta Dental of Colorado Foundation’s 2022 grantees, Valley-Wide Health Systems in the San Luis Valley, stands out for its efforts to address the unique challenges school-aged children face in rural areas when accessing dental care. Richard Phillips, a registered dental hygienist at Valley-Wide Health Systems, has been leading initiatives to make oral health care and education more accessible.
Transportation is often a significant barrier to accessing oral health care for many families, particularly in large, underserved areas like the San Luis Valley where care may be more than an hour’s drive away. To ensure community members are able to access dental care, Valley-Wide Health Systems offers transportation to and from dental clinics, as well as mobile units that bring dental care directly to students at schools. These mobile units provide services such as fluoride varnish and sealants, proven preventive measures that reduce the incidence of dental caries in young people.
Future initiatives include providing educational outreach to schools and increasing and maintaining support from community members who champion schools. Engagement from groups such as parents, teachers, and school nurses is crucial to the success of pediatric oral health programs. Oral pain or infection is closely tied to poor student performance and absences. This means Valley-Wide Health Systems’ work positively impacts students’ overall health and well-being while also removing barriers to academic success.
Additionally, dental hygienists at Valley-Wide Health Systems approach pediatric dental care with empathy, tailoring methods to meet the unique needs of children. They understand that children experiencing oral pain may resist care, so they strive to ensure that staff can treat pediatric patients while minimizing fear and anxiety.
At Delta Dental of Colorado Foundation, we are committed to achieving oral health equity in Colorado. Through our grants, we support dedicated organizations and individuals making a difference in their communities and sharing their expertise. Together, we can promote preventive care and ensure healthy smiles for all.