PICTURE CAPTION: (Left to right; Lisa Beagle, PNP at Lura Sharp SBHC; Tricia Peter-Clark, President and CEO at ConnextCare (holding the dental education puppet); Tom Jennings, Superintendent at Pulaski Schools)
ConnextCare has announced plans to expand dental services to the School Based Health Centers in the Lura Sharp and Pulaski Middle/Senior High School.
Last fall ConnextCare collaborated with the Pulaski District to submit a grant to the New York State Department of Health to expand dental services in the Pulaski School District as part of the States’ School Based Health Center (SBHC) Dental Home Program. In April, ConnextCare received notification from the Department of Health that funds had been granted to move forward with this project.
“We are very grateful for the partnership we have with ConnextCare,” stated Tom Jennings, Pulaski Schools Superintendent, “the services provided through our School Based Health Centers have a major impact on our students and their families. Expanding to include dental services will be tremendous.”
The School Based Health Centers will staff a dental hygienist that will perform routine cleanings, take x-rays, administer fluoride treatments, sealants and provide oral health education to students. Services are slated to begin after July 1, 2023 with appointments available throughout the summer months and into the school year.
“We are excited to be able to provide dental services to the students in the Pulaski district.” stated Tricia Peter-Clark, President and CEO of ConnextCare, “All of the services we offer through the School Based Health Centers are convenient for the students and their families as we can see these patients without them having to leave the school. Having one of our dental hygienists at these schools will allow many students the opportunity to have routine dental care that they may not otherwise have access to. Having good oral health is a vital part of positive overall health and well-being and we would like to thank the New York State Department of Health for helping us bring such essential services to the students in Pulaski schools.”
All school-aged children within the Pulaski School District are eligible to become patients at the Pulaski SBHCs. An enrollment form will need to be completed in order to register children for dental services at the health center. Enrollment forms can be found on the ConnextCare website at www.connextcare.org, at the schools main offices or the SBHCs. Additional information on how to enroll will also be included in an upcoming school newsletter.