-
- Mario Occhiuzzo in the dentist chair with Smile Massachusetts volunteer dentists. (Photo submitted)
-
- Emily Schippe getting ready to get teeth exrays. (Photo submitted)
Mobile dentists visit Westfield club
By Jaclyn Parks
Marketing & Development Director
Boys & Girls Club of Greater Westfield
In an effort to make good oral health a priority among members, the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Westfield had the mobile dentists, Smile Massachusetts, visit the Club on Monday, February 20th. At no cost to parents, Smile Massachusetts performs dental care procedures to ensure children receive proper dental care to keep them healthy. Seven Club members were lucky enough to jump in the dentist chair and get their teeth cleaned, cavities filled and fluoride treatments.
“A healthy mouth goes beyond having a nice smile. It really plays an integral part in children’s overall good health,” says Kellie Brown, director of operations. “Our relationship with Smile Massachusetts enables us to make sure our youth members are getting the proper dental care they need. We also run a program called Crest Cavity-Free Zone to help kids understand the importance of good oral health.”
Since 2010 the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Westfield has been an official “Cavity-Free Zones” where oral health is a priority. The Crest Cavity-Free Zone’s fun, interactive and age appropriate curriculum educates and promotes the importance of oral health practices to youth members. The main goal of the program is to develop sound, lifelong dental habits and teach the best practices for brushing and maintaining healthy teeth.
The Crest Cavity-Free Zone addresses the challenge issued by former Surgeon General David Satcher. This challenge detailed in his report entitled, Oral Health in America is a catalyst for the development of the Cavity-Free Zone program, as tooth decay (cavities) is the single most common chronic childhood disease – five times more common than asthma and seven times more common than hay fever.
“Although common dental diseases are preventable, not everyone is informed about or has access to good dental care and information,” says William Parks, executive director. “The Crest Cavity-Free Zone program provides a perfect solution and has seen much success. The program not only educates Club members about good oral health but it also provides tools as well as increased access to dental professionals, such as Smile Massachusetts. We are very grateful that Smile Massachusetts was able to visit our Club this week.”
To learn more about Smile Massachusetts please visit mobiledentist.com or call 888.330.4331. To learn more about programs offered at the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Westfield visit bgcwestfield.org, call 413.562.2301 or follow them on Facebook.
