Left to Right: Lisa Feltner, Dylan Howard, and Katti Russell, RDH

Family Health Center of Battle Creek Provides Portable Dentistry

To improve access to dental care for children, Family Health Center of Battle Creek (FHC) launched a portable dentistry project in November 2007.  Chris Davis, Manager of Portable Dental Services, and Ronnie Hecht, Portable Dentistry Coordinator, met with officials at Calhoun Intermediate School District and at Calhoun County schools to develop the visit schedule and program of services to be offered.

FHC held the first five clinics in November and December at Albion's Harrington and Washington-Gardner Elementary schools followed by Mar Lee, Homer, and Prairieview schools.  In just two months, 304 students received dental screenings by a registered dental hygienist: most received fluoride treatments and some received sealants.  Parents/guardians of students needing follow-up care and who had no "dental home" were helped to find a regular provider of dental care for the student, often at FHC.  An additional 13 clinics (Ann J. Kellogg, Doris Klaussen, Dudley, Dunlap, North Pennfield, Purdy, Sonoma, South Hill, Urbandale, Valley View, Verona, Wattles Park, Wilson) have been set up since January 2008, more are being scheduled.  Over 1,000 students have been seen since the start of the program.

In December, FHC received a grant from the American Dental Association Foundation's Harris Fund for Children's Dental Health to purchase supplies and educational materials used in the portable dentistry program.  The grant was especially helpful during promotion of Children's Oral Health Month in February.  For further information about the program call 269-965-8866