Funds Awarded to Vermont Head Start Association Tooth Tutor Program
Vermont Business Magazine The Northeast Delta Dental Foundation recently awarded a $60,000 grant to the Vermont Head Start/Early Head Start programs to support the Vermont Head Start Association Tooth Tutor program. The grant period will operate through September 30, 2021. For ten years, the Northeast Delta Dental Foundation and Delta Dental Plan of Vermont have provided financial support to the Tooth Tutor program.
The Tooth Tutor program improves oral health outcomes for children from low-income families served by Head Start registered dental hygienists, aka “Tooth Tutors.” The Tooth Tutors work with Head Start children and families to assist in locating dental homes for children, provide oral health activities that help children become comfortable going to the dentist, allay parents’ concerns or anxieties around going to the dentist and work with local dental practices to help expedite dental exams and treatment for Head Start children. The program is now available virtually due to COVID-19.
“When the pandemic started, there was no access to dental and oral care,” said Kim Hartling-Welles, a Tooth Tutor with Head Start. “Families have reached out for care; and, through Head Start, we are able to visit with them using Zoom. I met virtually with one family who had concerns that their child’s tooth decay was progressing. We were able to figure out why. Now we are again able to refer children to dentists so they can receive ongoing care. We are still making an impact despite the challenges of COVID-19.”
Northeast Delta Dental’s Director of Marketing & Communications, Kathleen Walker, APR, said, “It’s crucial that young children be trained early to take good care of their teeth and gums, because oral health is such an important component of overall health and wellness. We appreciate the opportunity to fund a program that reaches out to young children and their families, teaches them about oral health and makes sure they are connected to dental offices to receive ongoing care.”
Paul Behrman, Director of Champlain Valley Head Start and Chair of the Vermont Head Start Association (VHSA), said, “Oral health care for young children–especially those from families with low income–continues to be an issue in Vermont. VHSA is delighted that the Northeast Delta Dental Foundation continues to fund this critically important oral health program that has such a positive impact on the health of children served in Vermont’s Head Start programs.”
Source: Northeast Delta Dental