Protect Your Child’s Future Smile

The Broome County Health Department is offering a special summer program where children between the ages of 4 and 16 can have their teeth cleaned, dental sealants applied and a comprehensive dental exam to determine their dental needs. Upon completion of the examination, a dental health certificate will be issued for school purposes.

Beginning in school year 2008-2009, schools in New York State started requesting dental health certificates on children at the time of school entry and in grades K, 2, 4, 7 and 10. Poor oral health in children has been linked to poor performance in school, poor social relations, and less success later in life. At present, only about 50 percent of school aged children visit a dentist once a year. Routine teeth cleaning and dental sealants are preventive measures to help avoid future tooth decay.

A dental sealant is a thin, clear plastic coating that is applied as a liquid to the chewing surface of the tooth. The coating adheres to the tooth and hardens to form a protective barrier that seals the pits and fissures of the tooth surface. The sealant is a barrier against decay-causing bacteria. The procedure is safe, simple and painless. No tooth material is removed.

“This is a great opportunity for the children of parents without dental coverage and those with partial coverage to take advantage of. No out-of-pocket costs are associated with the program,” said Claudia Edwards, Public Health Director for the Broome County Health Department.

The program will take place July 20-24, 2009, and July 27-31, 2009, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Broome County Health Department, 225 Front Street, Binghamton, New York.