Schools

Stratford Health Department Helps to Put Smiles on Kids' Faces

School-based dental clinic rolls out Give Kids A Smile®

Horace Britton, Jr., 12, was smiling widely once Dr. Meryl Hertz filled his last cavity and completed his dental treatment plan for restorative work. This was Horace’s third visit to the dental clinic at Stratford Academy, Johnson House.

Under the auspices of the Stratford Health Department, the dental clinic provides access to affordable, high-quality oral health care services for local families

Children, ages 1 to 21, receive preventive and restorative dental services—including exams, cleanings and fillings—by Dr. Meryl Hertz, Dental Assistant Donna Cruzado and Dental Hygienist Marianne Axelrod.  

Find out what's happening in Stratfordwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

According to Bernice Bova, nursing supervisor for the Stratford Health Department, the dental professionals are also trained to administer the Connecticut Department of Public Health/ Office of Oral Health Care’s Home by One Program which includes a screening and possible fluoride varnishes and sealants for toddlers and young children.

Meredith Ferraro, Executive Director of the Southwestern Area Health Education Center, said that its Oral Health Bridgeport Initiative (ORBIT) Collaborative has, since 1999, partnered with community organizations, such as the Stratford Health Department, to improve access to dental care for children.

Find out what's happening in Stratfordwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

“School based health centers are important because dental decay is preventable,” Ferraro explained. “Dental caries, or cavities, not only could potentially lead to more serious health issues, such as infections and dental surgeries, but poor dental hygiene affects children’s self-esteem and absenteeism from school.”

The dental clinic routinely accepts Medicaid and HUSKY insurance and reduced fee schedules. Axelrod pointed out that this is beneficial to local families because, up until recently, people were forced to travel to find a participating dentist.

At the Stratford dental clinic at Stratford Academy, Johnson House, the health department’s administrators assist families with determining eligibility and enrolling in the HUSKY program.   

“We deliberately keep our fees low so that we can accommodate people who don’t have any type of insurance,” Bova said. “We try to help out as much as we can.”

She pointed that the dental clinic is often referred to as ‘Stratford’s best kept secret.’

Bova continued, “Last year 175 children were seen at the school-based dental clinic at Stratford Academy, Johnson House. This program has been in place for nearly 30 years, yet despite outreach efforts to our community, many residents are unaware of our dental program and what our staff have to offer.

"We want families to realize that if they are having difficulty obtaining oral care for their children, they have a place to turn to for help.”

Horace’s father said that he appreciated the treatment his son received by Dr. Hertz and Ms. Cruzado. As a small business owner in today’s dismal economy—Britton operates RJS Carpet & Tile--he could no longer afford to purchase medical insurance out-of-pocket for his family.

“I’m really grateful for this service at the school-based dental clinic because it has saved me a lot of money,” Britton said.

Britton was especially pleased to learn that Horace’s visit recently was part of the Give Kids A Smile® program, an American Dental Association-endorsed oral health care initiative that provides complimentary dental services to uninsured children in February.

Along with a goody bag filled with a toothbrush, tooth paste, dental floss, pencils and stickers, Horace left Stratford Academy, Johnson House with some good advice about how to properly brush his teeth. He also heard about the strong correlation between eating nutritious foods and maintaining healthy teeth.  

During her three-year tenure at Stratford Academy, Johnson House Dr. Hertz has treated tooth decay in children who otherwise wouldn’t have received dental care. According to the ADA, nearly half of tooth decay in children ages 2 to 9 is untreated.  “Many of these children here in Stratford really need these services that we’re providing,” she said.

Additionally, Dr. Hertz noted that the school-based dental clinic is convenient for working parents. “It’s helpful because they don’t have to take time off of work,” Dr. Hertz continued.

“We are able to take children from Johnson and Honeyspot Houses from their classes and take care of their teeth during the school day. In most cases, parents don’t have to be present. It couldn’t be easier for Stratford youth to take good care of their teeth and prevent decay.”  

 For more information about the dental clinic at Stratford Academy, Johnson House, call (203) 385-4058.         

For more information about Southwestern AHEC and the ORBIT Collaborative, call Program Director Joan Lane at (203) 372-5503.

Tax deductible donations to the Give Kids A Smile® program are appreciated. Checks should be made payable to “Southwestern AHEC” and mailed to Southwestern AHEC, 5520 Park Avenue, Suite 109, Trumbull, CT 06611.

Located in Trumbull, Connecticut, Southwestern Area Health Education Center (AHEC) is one of four regional centers within the Connecticut AHEC Program, which is based at the University of Connecticut, School of Medicine in Farmington. Southwestern AHEC’s mission is to enhance access to quality primary and preventive healthcare in southwestern Connecticut by linking students, providers and families through education, workforce development and community collaborations. Southwestern AHEC is a 501 (c)( 3) non-profit organization.

 


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here