The Van Buren County School System will offer free dental sealant this fall for interested students.
Coordinated School Health Director Kelly Lewis said sealant is applied to teeth to prevent cavities. Lewis said the Tennessee Department of Health offers this service to every school system in the state once every few years, and this year, it is Van Buren’s turn.
“Whether you have insurance or not, or TennCare or private pay insurance, whatever you have, they don’t turn anybody away,” Lewis said. “And so, they work with all of our students. And for the first time this year, they are working with students in Pre-K through 12th grade.”
Lewis said the program used to only cover students in eighth grade and below.
Lewis said dentists from the health department will set up shop in the Van Buren Schools beginning later this month, and they will stay for four to six weeks.
Lewis said she hopes every student gets the sealant because it can reduce the risk of cavities. She said that it is an extra layer of protection for areas that are difficult to hit with a toothbrush.
“Some kids just have deep crevices in their teeth,” Lewis said. “So, it’s really hard to clean those areas of the teeth because you know, food and bacteria get down in there and it’s almost impossible to reach.”
Lewis said any student who’s parent completes a permission form for the sealant program will receive a dental evaluation. She said the dental hygienists on site will apply sealant to any tooth that needs it.
“Also, if they see any type of issues or problems, with the child’s dental care or cavities, then they will send a referral home with the student so that the parents will know and be informed that they need to make an appointment with their dentist,” Lewis said.
Lewis said every student in the county received a consent form containing information about the program. For parents who did not receive a form from their child, they can call the school to request another. Parents must complete and return the form to school with their child so they can get the sealant.
Lewis said a lot of people are unfamiliar with the impact dental health has on the entire body. She said it is important for both kids and adults to ensure they have a great dental hygiene routine in place to ensure their health.
