Dr. Kathy Lefevers, D.M.D., inspects a student’s teeth during her visit on Friday.
The program kicked off at Yellow Creek School Center on Friday, as Dr. Kathy Lefevers, D.M.D. and Tiffany Hughes, R.D.H., visited with students and checked their teeth for cavities.
The program sends dental health professionals into local elementary schools and a list of students in need of dental care is then created. The students will then be bussed to dentists’ offices for treatment. The transportation and the un-insured services received will be paid for by the Elgin Foundation and Child, Inc.
“This program has the potential to reverse negative dental trends in thousands of children in Southeast Kentucky and positively influence the next generation of children,” said Jamie Johnson, program director.
Bell County Schools, Middlesboro Independent Schools and Pineville Independent Schools will all benefit from this program.
Bell County Schools Superintendent George Thompson applauded the program, “This is an outstanding opportunity for children enrolled in our school district. The program will provide not only dental services but will also provide transportation for students needing additional dental attention.”
“We often think of schools providing learning opportunities, but now we can expand services that will certainly impact students’ health and school attendance through this initiative,” Thompson added.
For more information about the dental health initiative, contact Chris Warren, Bell County Director of Pupil Personnel, at 606.337.7051, or call any school’s Family Resource and Youth Services Center.
Brandy Calvert is the Managing Editor of the Middlesboro Daily News. Contact her via e-mail at bcalvert@heartlandpublications.com.
Regardless of how good the intentions of this program is today, it is simply wrong! This responsibility belongs to the parents to get their children to the dentists and to pay for it. This is just another example of an agency trying to replace the parents. It is time we force parents to be responsible! Besides, this program will not have the money to be all things to all kids and do the whole state. Let's get back to teachers teaching and holding the parents accountable for having children.