- November 22, 2024
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Of all the services that the Flagler County Health Department’s dental clinic provides to children, education is one of the most important, said Dr. Frances Bey, the clinic’s dentist for the past 19 years.
“Most of the children that come in like to eat a lot of sweets, so they may not take care of their teeth, so we like to educate them,” Dr. Bey said on Flagler Health Matters with Health Department Public Information Officer Jaffy Lee, broadcast on Flagler Radio.
Lisa Sanchez, the dental clinic’s operations manager, said after a couple of visits, the children start to look forward to coming to the clinic.
“They’re very open to being educated about their teeth and having responsibility for their oral health,” Sanchez said.
In an interview with the Observer, Lee said the Health Department wanted to honor Dr. Bey’s years of service during Children’s Dental Health Month in February.
The clinic serves young people under 21 years old who are covered by Medicaid or Florida Healthy Kids. Last year, the clinic served 4,178 children and provided 45,661 services during 7,600 client visits, Lee said.
The department’s hygienists also visit Flagler County schools as part of its dental sealant program. A dental sealant is a thin plastic coating that protects the chewing surfaces of teeth from developing cavities. It should be applied as soon as molars appear, Dr. Bey said.
The sealant program is available to all children whether they hve insurance or not, Sanchez said.
The clinic’s school-based preventative dental program also provides cleanings and fluoride treatments if needed.
For more information on the Health Department's Dental Clinic at 312 Dr. Carter Blvd. in Bunnell, ca386-437-7350, extension 3114.
