Promoting smiles: Delta Dental takes dental health to schools

February is National Children’s Oral Health Month and a program through the Delta Dental of Oklahoma Foundation is helping kids know the importance of taking care of their teeth.

“So, we are here to provide some free preventive treatment and to remind parents to take their kids to the dentist,” said Delta Dental of Oklahoma Foundation Director Terrisa Singleton.

The focus of the free clinic of sorts is to administer sealants.

“Dental sealants are thin plastic coatings that go on the molars, that’s the back teeth, and you want to do that as soon as they erupt, so getting them in second grade is perfect timing,” said Singleton.

“I got medicine put on my teeth and fluoride,” said second-grade Hawthorne Elementary student Yareli

“She like told me she was going to clean my teeth, and the shampoo was going to be nasty,” said Lay Lay, a second-grade student at Hawthorne Elementary School.

The program is done in schools around the state hoping to make kids comfortable about going to the dentist.

“Kids will have a great experience with our dental hygienist, they’ll look forward to seeing their dentist for their follow-up care,” said Singleton.

“There was a lot of stuff in my mouth, but it didn’t hurt,” said Yareli.

“She put some stuff where, when I chew it doesn’t hurt,” said Lay Lay.

It is a statewide program throughout the school year. For more information about the program visit www.ddokfoundation.org/how-we-help/sealant-clinics