The treatment takes less than a minute and reduces the risk of tooth decay
Cooperstown, NY – Bassett Healthcare Network is working to bridge preventive dental treatment with wellness screenings in its pediatric clinics with fluoride varnish treatments. Fluoride varnish, a protective substance that is painted on the teeth, significantly reduces the risks of cavities and tooth decay. The procedure takes less than a minute and can be performed by a doctor or dentist.
Bassett Healthcare Network’s 22 school health centers, which already perform fluoride varnish treatments as part of their dental care, offer it to all students who are at moderate or high risk for tooth decay, which can lead to cavities and tooth loss .
Now, the service is expanding beyond the Bassett School Health Program. The organization’s Dental Services and Pediatrics departments work together to bring highly effective dental treatment to more children in Bassett’s eight-county service area. Currently, fluoride varnish treatments are available at select pediatric and family medicine offices, including Bassett Pediatric Clinic in Cooperstown, Oneonta Health Center (125 Main Street), Herkimer Health Center and FoxCare Pediatrics in Oneonta. Plans are underway to expand the program to other Bassett Healthcare Network pediatric and family medicine practices.
“Knowing that children with poor oral health are three times more likely than their peers to miss school, I cannot emphasize enough how valuable fluoride treatments will be to children throughout Bassett’s eight-county service area.” said Dr. William Fredette, co-director of Bassett Health Network’s School Health Program and Senior Pediatrician at FoxCare Pediatrics in Oneonta.
Fluoride, a naturally occurring mineral, is released from rocks into the soil, air and water. Fluoride protects teeth from tooth decay by strengthening and rebuilding the tooth surface. Some groundwater and natural springs have naturally high levels of fluoride, but usually, fluoride levels in home water supplies are not enough to prevent tooth decay. Dental products that contain fluoride, such as toothpaste and mouthwashes, are supplements that help people control and prevent tooth decay with daily oral hygiene practices. Fluoride varnish is a safe, simple and effective intervention to initiate caries prevention in children.
Leah Carpenter, DMD, Senior Attending Dentist at Bassett Healthcare Network Department of Dental Services, said: “Many of our rural families do not have fluoride in their water. Access to affordable dental care is also a challenge in our region, especially for our low-income families. Many people are surprised to learn that tooth decay is the most common chronic disease of childhood – it can also be prevented. Having medical providers able to apply fluoride varnish is a great way to integrate oral health with the overall health of our patients.”
“Dental care for young people is an essential aspect of their health and well-being,” said Staci Thompson, President and CEO of Bassett Healthcare Network. “We are proud to expand the availability of our fluoride varnish program and bring more and more healthy smiles to the communities we serve.”
