By Gina Gurreri, Community Programs Development Supervisor
On a hike this weekend, an out-of-state visitor asked me what I do for work in this area. When I explained that I manage Skippy, Tri-County Health Network’s mobile dental clinic that provides oral healthcare to children in the San Miguel, Ouray, West End, and Delta region, they remarked that “it’s a good thing dental care is the least urgent form of healthcare.” I had to stop them there. Tooth decay – commonly referred to as a cavity – one of the most prevalent chronic diseases among children in the United States. Untreated tooth decay causes a multitude of issues for children including severe pain. Pain can decrease children’s ability to focus in school, lead to missed classroom time, and can contribute to poor behavior. Complications of tooth decay can include infection, abscesses, and trouble chewing.
Oftentimes, it seems we forget about oral health care. It may be because we do not realize just how important good dental care is to our overall health. Especially in this time of increased vigilance around health, let us not forget or forgo oral health for ourselves and for our children. In the wake of COVID-19, with medical and dental clinics being closed or offering very limited appointments, many people were forced to forfeit their regularly scheduled dental exams and cleanings.
It is recommended that oral health education and dental cleanings and screenings be performed every 6 months to prevent tooth decay. Skippy’s mobile dental clinic makes it convenient for children to get their oral health needs met. Skippy brings a team of local dental professionals to your child’s school or a nearby location. With state-of-the-art equipment, the Skippy team can provide x-rays, intra-oral imaging, exams, cleanings, fluoride treatments, sealants, and restorative care to clean, protect, and strengthen your child’s teeth, and to stop tooth decay from starting or spreading. Your child can receive top notch oral health care without missing a whole class and without parents having to transport kids out of the county to attend dental appointments.
Skippy is taking extra precautions in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. In accordance with the Center for Disease Control and the American Dental Association, Skippy Dental is using increased PPE measures, will screen all patients before admittance to the clinic, will practice social distancing measures as possible throughout the clinic, and will be using a professional grade air filter to increase ventilation and decrease viral and bacterial content in the air. Skippy aims to make dental care accessible and safe for children and their families. That’s why we offer services at no out-of-pocket cost to families, regardless of dental insurance coverage.
Healthy mouths are more than just white teeth and fresh breath. Good strong teeth help children get the nourishment they need from foods and having a healthy smile to flash gives kids confidence and high self-esteem. Enroll your child in a local Skippy Dental Clinic today by completing the enrollment form here: https://tchnetwork.org/skippy/consent/ – English Language
https://tchnetwork.org/skippy/consent-es/ – Spanish Language
