Dental program offers oral screening for students

The Miles of Smiles program is a school-based dental program offered to all 35 elementary and middle school students within North Central District Health Department's nine-county health district. Miles of Smiles offers a complete oral screening done by a registered dental hygienist, along with an application of an optional fluoride treatment. Even if an individual sees a dentist every six months, this program can still aid a child's dental care.

According to the American Dental Association, fluoride can help decrease further cavity development by 38% and should be applied four to six times per year. NCDHD visits each school once a semester. During each visit, Miles of Smiles offers oral screenings, fluoride treatment and dental referrals. This program is available to all children in the health district for a non-required $20 donation. No child will be denied service. In addition to regular dental checkups, Miles of Smiles is an inexpensive way to have an extra set of professional eyes screening your child's mouth.

The Miles of Smiles program started in fall of 2012, with an average of 37% students participating in the program. Each year the program has seen an increase in participation. Today, an average of 54% of students take part in the program.

North Central District Health Department contracts with two public health authorized registered dental hygienists to conduct screenings and fluoride treatments during clinics. Diane Alden, RDH, conducts the majority of clinics located in the western counties of the district. Sandie Carpenter, RDH, conducts majority of clinics in the eastern counties of the district. Both hygienists have worked for the Miles of Smiles program for many years.

In 2018, Miles of Smiles was given an opportunity to work with the Nebraska Community Foundation on a match-fund opportunity. Since the collaboration with the Nebraska Community Foundation, Miles of Smiles has received support from local community foundations, county commissioners and supervisors, local businesses and even more support from the district's schools.

"Our health district is fortunate to have so much local support to keep Miles of Smiles available for our local youth," said Sara Twibell, of Miles of Smiles coordinator.

To learn more about the Miles of Smiles program, contact Twibell at 402-336-2406.