For more than 20 years, CNC dentistry students have been participating in the “Seal in the Smile” program, which provides an opportunity for dental assistant students to work with children of all age groups and put into practice the skills they have learned.
The program works as a partnership between CNC, School District 57, and Northern Health. This year, Spirit of the North Healthcare Foundation has joined and is funding the program to ensure students can see its benefit for years to come.
This year, the participating school was Quinson Elementary.
The program exposes area youth to much-needed early preventative dental treatments that they may not have otherwise had the opportunity to experience. As part of the program, students from area elementary schools receive free teeth polishing, sealants, fluoride treatment and oral health education.
Prior to their onsite visit at the CNC Dental Clinic, dental assisting students visit the participating schools to provide a workshop that explains the importance of oral health and prepares the children for what will happen once they come to CNC for their appointment.
This contact helps to minimize anxieties often associated with dental visits.
“Community dental programs such as Seal in a Smile provide an excellent way for new providers to build dental care relationships with young patients. CNC is pleased to support this on-going partnership which makes a great difference in the lives of children,” said Dr. Tamara Chambers-Richards, Dean of Health Sciences for the College of New Caledonia.
“This program highlights how important collaboration is for the youth in our community. We are happy to fund this program knowing it is not only embracing community partnerships, but also helps to promote healthy choices for our youth,” said Aimee Cassie, Spirit of the North Healthcare Foundation CEO.
