Family Dental of Kentucky: Dental Outreach
Our Family Caring for Yours
Wellness on Wheels
Cumberland Family Medical Center, Inc., started its school-based preventative dental program in 2008 with portable equipment and one part-time dentist. Overwhelming need and requests by our school districts, however, soon saw this program grow to cover multiple school districts in our service area who are now served by our six licensed dentists, staff, and a 40 foot mobile unit that is fully equipped for all primary care and dental services. Nicknamed “Your Smile Matters”, our mobile unit was designed specifically to meet the needs of our schools and our students, with its state-of-the-art equipment.
Preventative Oral Health Services
Cumberland Family Medical Center, Inc. offers preventative oral health care and education to preschool-12th graders with parental permission at the students’ schools, thus reducing students’ time missed from class for appointments and parents’ time away from work, thus increasing valuable time in the classroom. Each student receives a comprehensive screening, cleaning, fluoride treatment, and if needed sealants. Parents receive a “Report Card” detailing the findings of the service and suggesting followup with the child’s family dentist if needed for more intensive restorative services.
Each student receives a tooth brush, toothpaste, floss, and oral health information all tucked away in a sanitary “tooth bag” to take home. CFMC works closely with local school and dental providers to assure all students have an established dental home for lifelong oral hygiene habits.
Mr. Marion Sowders, Superintendent, Casey County Schools
“The dental van provides a wonderful service to our students. If our students are healthy, they will be focused on learning. We are very appreciative of the partnership! Thank you!”
Jennifer Godbey, East Casey County Family Resource Center
“Providing health education and skills-building for children is an investment in a lifetime of good health practices and contributes to a healthier childhood and adult life. The early care and education setting is an optimal place to teach, practice and nurture positive oral health skills and activities. Cumberland Family Medical Center programs such as Mr. Molar have been instrumental in providing these much needed services to our children.”
Parent and teacher statement, Russell County High School
“Perhaps you have seen a large RV parked in front of a local school recently. Perhaps you have heard students talking about the dental bus, or perhaps you have seen a child packing a plastic pouch with toothpaste, a toothbrush, and dental floss. This dental bus is a wonderfully innovative way to bring dental health to children who otherwise may not have access to a dentist. My children have a fabulous dentist, but seen by a dentist while at school is a fantastic, cost effective way to ensure that my kids have their teeth cleaned regularly and checked for cavities. Although I am not present at the time of the treatment, I am given a report on my children's dental health, with any issues highlighted for further treatment at my personal dentist. This service allows my family to keep both my kids' teeth healthy and cavity-free. I encourage all parents to consider allowing your children, no matter how young or old, to have access to the dental bus and the dentists and technicians that serve in this capacity. Good dental health is important for a healthy body, and beginning the habits of dental hygiene early in childhood is a great start. I am thankful for the partnership between the dental bus and Russell County schools -- it is certainly making a positive impact in our community!”