Press Releases
DATE: 8 July 2010
RELEASE NO:10-09
Dental staff takes oral health on the road
By Gerald Sonnenberg
ST. LOUIS, Mo. –Recently, 14 staff members from Grace Hill Neighborhood Health Centers’ Dental Department assembled at Confluence Academy High School in downtown St. Louis to perform dental assessments with x-rays on approximately 25, freshman and sophomores. Recommendations for follow-up appointments were also provided.
Dental staff members also went to individual classrooms to provide basic dental care information and answer questions posed by the students. In addition, a group forum was held in which a ‘round table’ discussion concerning dental health produced many questions and comments from the students. Some topics emphasized regular dental maintenance and preventive care, as well as information about orthodontic care.
“For the staff, it was an opportunity to learn the ‘mechanics’ of off-site delivery and interaction with the community, as well as increasing Grace Hill’s visibility and involvement,” said Dr. Clifton Whitworth, Dental Director.
“The importance of the Confluence Academy visit was that this was outreach to a higher age group allowing a greater degree of exposure and service opportunity.”
In 2010, the Dental Department has traveled to approximately 15 schools providing dental services to about 2,500 students.
Presentations include classroom Oral Health Education, presentations to Parent/Teacher organizations and teacher groups, along with providing written material, tooth brushes, toothpaste, floss (where applicable) and, of course, how to contact GHNHC for any of their health concerns. The dental staff usually conducts three school visits each month.
Staff members who participated were Elma Buie, Barbara Dixon, Dr. Morton Friedman, Jeanette Garrett, Schmel Gentry, Keandra Hudson, Janice McClendon, Abigail Mosley, Guadalupe Orozco, Dr. Mark Osborn, John Sebben, William Taylor, Dr. Clifton Whitworth, and Jacqueline Williams.
PHOTO CUTLINE: Guadalupe Orozco, a GHNHC dental hygienist, takes a dental x-ray of Confluence Academy student Torshawna Griffin. Photo by Gerald Sonnenberg.
(Photo right) Dr. Clifton Whitworth examines Confluence Academy student Cherrelle Posley. Photo by Gerald Sonnenberg.
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Grace Hill Health Centers, Inc. is a non-profit organization that has been enabling healthy, productive lives in St. Louis for more than 100 years. GHHC is accredited through the prestigious Joint Commission.
