Health Equity

In observance of National Children’s Dental Health Month, the Fidelis Care Community Relations team visited the newly opened Hometown Health Centers dental clinic in Schenectady to tour the facility and learn more about its operations. The clinic provides primary and preventive care, consultation, oral surgery, and emergency treatments. It cares for about 16,000 patients a year, which equates to 28,000 appointments, or more than 2,300 per month.

Fidelis Care talked with Hometown Health Centers Chief Dental Officer Rory Ogden, DDS, about some things parents and kids should know during National Children’s Dental Health Month and how the new clinic helps make dental care more accessible in the community year-round.

Fidelis Care: Why is children’s dental health awareness so important?
Dr. Ogden: Dental care is important for the overall health of every patient. Getting regular cleanings, exams, and X-rays can help identify problems that could progress into a more serious issue.

Fidelis Care: What are a few key ways to help ensure good dental health in children?
Dr. Ogden: One, make sure children brush their teeth twice a day. We encourage parents to supervise or help brush their children’s teeth. A second way is to prioritize good nutrition. Fruits and vegetables are very important. It’s OK for children to have sweets or juice occasionally but try to limit them to mealtimes and have them brush their teeth afterward.  A third thing, and it’s very important, is for your child to drink plenty of water, especially water with fluoride, as it helps rinse and clean teeth throughout the day.

Fidelis Care: You mentioned fluoride. Why is that so important for children?
Dr. Ogden: Fluoride helps strengthen children’s teeth. The outside layer is called enamel and the fluoride attaches to the enamel to strengthen it and prevent tooth decay and other disease within the mouth. Children can mostly get fluoride through water if your town’s tap water is fluoridated. You can also ask your medical or dental professional about fluoride treatments and supplements.

Fidelis Care: What is an effective way to help children have a good visit at the dentist’s office?
Dr. Ogden: Start young. We recommend that children make their first dentist visit within six months after their first tooth comes in or by their first birthday. That way, your child can get used to seeing the surroundings, being in the dental chair, and having the dentist work in their mouth before it is an emergency situation. Getting your teeth cleaned and having a fun visit can help make going to the dentist a positive experience. Another thing for parents is allowing the dentist to control the appointment. Let them interact with your child to build a relationship rather than you answer questions for your child.

Fidelis Care: How do facilities like the Hometown Health Centers dental clinic improve accessibility for those needing care?
Dr. Ogden: We help prevent dental emergencies or situations that require surgery. Clinics like Hometown allow people to regularly have access to dental care and stay on top of it. They have better outcomes through preventive dentistry like cleanings, screenings, and exams. This helps us identify any issues when they’re most easily treatable.