BELTON, Mo., (Sept. 2, 2021) – Cass Community Health Foundation will resume their annual school-based dental screening program in Cass County schools this fall. The program has been on hiatus since March 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic began.
The screenings bring volunteer dentists, dental hygienists, and community members together to provide oral health education, oral hygiene supplies, and, with parental consent, two free fluoride varnish applications. Cass Community Health Foundation works with school nurses to ensure the children screened receive the dental services they need. Those who are insured by Missouri Medicaid or uninsured and low-income are referred to the foundation’s safety net dental clinic, Cass County Dental Clinic.
“We are excited to bring our school-based dental screening program back to Cass County students this fall,” Katie Schroeder, Cass Community Health Foundation director of dental programs, said. “This program offers a quick and efficient way for our team to identify dental needs in our community schools. Improving the oral health of a child builds their confidence and ability to learn. Our dental screenings play an important role in creating a successful learning environment for students in Cass County.”
The 2021 fall dental screenings begin at East Lynne Elementary just outside Harrisonville. Cass Community Health Foundation will also visit Sherwood Elementary in Creighton as well as Scott Education Center and Wilckens STEAM Academy at Hillcrest in Belton. The foundation will finish the year at Archie Elementary. Additional schools will be scheduled in the spring.
Learn more about the free school-based dental screening program and sign up to volunteer at an event at casscommunityhealth.org.
