Partner Spotlight: Case Western Dental

Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine is taking the lead to fight against early childhood cavities, the number one chronic infectious disease in children in America.

By partnering with Head Start, the goal is to take preventive measures to reduce the number of children sent to the operating room for dental treatment. Onsite, comprehensive dental exams are scheduled twice a year.

This service is targeted to every Head Start child who has not seen the dentist in the last six months.

Parents are encouraged to come and watch exams. Any other child under the age of eight can also receive services.

Partnership Services

Non-invasive lap-to-lap exams.

Children are in a safe and familiar environment.

Children take home their own battery-operated “Sesame Street” spinbrush, toothpaste, mirror, sticker of choice and a grade sheet informing parents about their child’s teeth, and whether or not follow-up care is needed.

Educational presentations are scheduled annually for staff and parents about the importance of children’s oral health.

Active involvement with the Health Service Advisory Committee.

Service is billed to the child’s insurance, which covers dental screening costs twice a year. In the event of no insurance, the Head Start program will cover any costs.

End of the year review of completed services.