Sioux Falls, SD (KELO AM) - Falls Community Health is pleased to announce that students at Hayward Elementary can receive dental services at the school beginning on August 26, 2013.
“We are so pleased to be able to offer this service,” says Lonna Jones, Dental Clinic Services Manager for Falls Community Health. “By offering full-service dental care right at the school clinic, students spend less time out of the classroom, and parents don’t have to worry about leaving work to transport their children to dental appointments.”
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recognizes that poor oral health can negatively affect a child’s ability to learn. Children with dental pain may be irritable, withdrawn, or unable to concentrate. Pain can affect test performance as well as school attendance. In fact, dental problems are the leading cause of school absences across the nation.
“The Sioux Falls School District is excited to again partner with Falls Community Health in providing dental services to students,” says Molly Satter, Health Services Supervisor for the Sioux Falls School District. “According to the Centers for Disease Control, ‘Tooth decay affects children in the United States more than any other chronic infectious disease. Untreated tooth decay causes pain and infections that may lead to problems such as eating, speaking, playing, and learning.’ The District recognizes the importance of overall health and well-being and the relationship to student learning. Programs such as this help us achieve our goal of “educating and preparing each student to succeed in a changing world.”
Families with students at Hayward Elementary can register the students for dental care through the school. Dental services, including exams, X-rays, and teeth cleaning will be provided during regular clinic hours at Hayward Elementary on Monday and Thursday mornings and Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday afternoons.
Falls Community Health opened its third school-based clinic at Hayward Elementary in April. The other school-based clinics are located at Terry Redlin Elementary and Hawthorne Elementary. These school-based clinics provide medical services for students, families, and others.
For more information, please call 605-367-8022.