Parker Clinic answering need for dental care
Area pediatric dentists offer free screenings
to children under 10
JEFF HUNTLEY Pediatric dentist Christie Henry examines Salvador Tecalero, 6, during the Parker Family Clinic’s recently launched dental screening program. Children can get an initial examination at the clinic and parents will be referred to a dentist who can do the necessary work.
RED BANK — The key to good dental health is prevention and education, and it’s almost never too early to start addressing dental hygiene, dentists advise.
With that in mind, and in keeping with its mission to serve the uninsured and working poor of the area, The Parker Family Free Clinic has begun a pediatric screening program for children under the age of 10.
Children should begin seeing a dentist by the time they are 18 months or have eight teeth, whichever comes first, explained Dr. Christine Henry, a Red Bank pediatric dentist, who was conducting the first day of screenings.
"We’re checking little kids to see what work they need," Henry said.
For those without insurance or of limited means, the cost of a trip to the dentist can be terribly prohibitive, she said.
The cost of a child’s dental examination can range $30 to $90, according to Henry.
"We try to work with the families because we know how tough it is," she said.
No dental work will be done at the Shrewsbury Avenue clinic, however. The dentists who are volunteering their time to do the screenings will refer the patients to the office of one of the dentists involved.
In addition to cavities, Henry said younger patients have to be monitored to treat and prevent dental infections, oral herpes and gum disease.
"But mostly we’re trying to take care of cavities," she said.
"The number one thing is prevention and education," Henry said. "But obviously we have patients who need attention immediately.
"So far everybody we’ve seen has mild to moderate cavities," Henry said of the first six children examined.
After being examined, the parents of the patients are informed where they can go for the needed dental work. The kids are given a toothbrush, toothpaste, and a pamphlet, in either English or Spanish, on dental hygiene.
Julia Gardner, of Tinton Falls, who took her 5-year-old grandson, Raquan, to be examined, said, "I had his [Raquan’s] teeth X-rayed and I was told it would cost $400 to get them fixed.
"I can’t afford $400," Gardner said.
Eve Silver, clinic assistant, said the screening will be done on an irregular basis at first, possibly every few months. It is hoped it will become part of the clinic’s regular program.
"This is only our first time but we’ve had a very good turnout," Silver said. "I’ve got a feeling this is going to snowball. It’s going to be very popular."