What?
What is Traveling Tooth Fairies Sealing Smiles Across NH (SSANH) school-based cavity prevention program?
Traveling Tooth Fairies has partnered with SSANH in Nashua, NH. Traveling Tooth Fairies - SSANH cavity prevention program is a dental service offered to every child in grades. Kindergarten 8 in Nashua, NH schools. Services include up to 6 preventive services:
- Dental screening: A quick check-up of the teeth and gums to detect any signs of decay or disease.
- Fluoride varnish: A thin coating painted onto the teeth to harden them and prevent cavities.
- Silver Diamine Fluoride: A liquid coating is applied to the back teeth to stop cavities from growing and spreading. The silver in the liquid stops bacteria from spreading.
- Dental Sealants: A thin coating painted on the chewing surface of the teeth that blocks out germs and food and prevents cavities for many years.
- Protective Restorations: A fluoride-releasing filling material used to repair and preserve tooth structure.
- Oral health education: Students learn about healthy habits like regular brushing and flossing, avoiding food and drinks that promote decay and other healthy choices.
What are the benefits?
Traveling Tooth Fairies- SSANH has many benefits. Not only will your child get preventive care and treatment, they will also learn the importance of taking care of their teeth to help form lifelong healthy habits.
The benefits are:
CONVENIENT:
- Quick appointments with little time away from the classroom
- Dental sealants do not cause pain and do not require any shots or drilling
- No worries about transportation or taking time off of work
- Highly effective, safe solutions painted on teeth
- Dental sealants prevent 80% of cavities in the back teeth over two years, where 9 out of 10 cavities occur
- Proven evidence-based cavity prevention services provided
FLEXIBLE:
- All children in Kindergarten 8th grade.
- No barriers around location, income, insurance status, or language (translation services are available)
SUPPORTIVE:
- Setting is familiar and comfortable to students
- Prevent or treat cavities early to prevent toothaches, infections, and other oral health problems
- Get encouragement and support from experienced program staff
COST:
- Families save time and money by minimizing extra trips to the dentist and paying for costly treatments. Traveling Tooth Fairies - SSANH is funded through grants, donations, and NH Medicaid. There are no out-of-pocket fees, bills or deductibles for this service.
Why?
Why the focus on cavities?
Cavities or tooth decay (also called dental caries) are painful, uncomfortable, and can lead to serious dental problems and infections. Cavities can also interfere with eating, speaking, learning, and playing. Also, children with cavities might feel embarrassed or ashamed of their teeth, affecting their mental health. There are easy and simple treatments that can stop cavities from growing and spreading.
Why Nashua Schools?
These services are offered in the Nashua School District through a grant awarded to Traveling Tooth Fairies by Northeast Delta Dental in collaboration with the Nashua City Public Health Department and the Department of Health and Human Services. The NH Medicaid Program will provide reimbursement for patients who are currently enrolled.
Who?
Who can participate in Traveling Tooth Fairies-SSANH?? Is this for ALL students?
While all students in grades K-12 can participate in Traveling Tooth Fairies-SSANH, the program is designed for youth who do not regularly go to a dentist. This service is not intended to take the place of routine care from your child's dentist. Also, your child does not need to have a regular dentist to participate in this program.
Who will provide the dental services?
Experienced, licensed, certified, and insured staff provide all services, including a Certified Public Health Dental Hygienist, a Dental Assistant, and an off-site supervising dentist. They adhere to strict infection control protocols. Traveling Tooth Fairies, a non-profit organization, was established to help reduce barriers for kids in accessing dental care.
How?
Is consent or permission required?
Yes, parents or guardians must give written consent for their child to receive services without a parent or guardian present. Details about the services are outlined in the consent form.
How much does it cost?
You will not be charged any out-of-pocket costs. The program is covered by grant funding, and billed thru NH Medicaid for those who are covered by NH state insurance.
How can I enroll my child?
Review, sign and return the required consent or permission form before the scheduled visit date. This form is available on the Nashua School District website, or as a hard copy that will be sent home by your child's school. If your child hasn't had prior dental care, that's okay!
How will Traveling Tooth Fairies-SSANH impact the school day?
Traveling Tooth Fairies-SSANH works closely with school administrators to schedule quick appointments and plan clinic days to minimize class time disruption.
What if my child needs more care?
If a child requires additional oral health care, the clinic staff will make a recommendation and referral to a local dentist for follow-up care.
How can I learn more about the program?
Contact Certified Public Health Dental Hygienists Myra Nikitas at myra@travelingtoothfairies.org, or Mary Duquette, at mary@travelingtoothfairies.org.