Dental Education Outreach

Note: The Marquette Dental Clinic is now called Dental Clinics North and is sponsored by the Marquette County Health Department, and operated by Michigan Community Dental Clinics, Inc. Visit www.midental.org for more information.

At the April 24th Upper Peninsula Children's Coalition 2008 Annual Conference, Dr. James Hayward was the recipient of the Outstanding Individual Award. Dr. Hayward left private practice in 1993 to run the Marquette County Health Department Dental Clinic, which was designed to treat uninsured, Medicaid and low-income children. His commitment to help improve the dental needs of the less fortunate and his collaborative efforts have made this area a better place for children to live.
Dr. Hayward is truly an inspiration who never expects to be glorified. He continues to provide dental care through the same clinic, which is now Dental Clinics North. Dr. Hayward was nominated for this award by Rebecca Maino, Dental Hygienist and Health Educator, who is also shown in photo.
The Marquette County Health Department would like to thank Dr. Hayward and all Dental Clinic staff for providing excellent dental care to many children from Marquette and other U.P. counties.

Fluoride Mouthrinse, Fluoride Varnish, and Xylitol Program 2006-2007

Five out of six (Powell, Lakeview, Wells, Republic-Michigamme, and Aspen Ridge) Marquette County elementary schools participated in the Fluoride Mouthrinse Program (FMP). The FMP is free to all students who return a signed parental consent allowing them to participate. A possible 1,316 students were eligible to rinse weekly for the school year. Our records indicate 1,107 students (84%) rinsed on a weekly basis.

The Ishpeming School District's elementary students participated in the Fluoride Varnish and Xylitol Programs. Fluoride varnish was painted on the students' teeth (once during the school year) who returned a signed parental consent allowing them to participate. Xylitol lozenges were distributed in the morning and after lunch to students who also returned a signed parental consent. Approximately 367 elementary students attended school; 80% participated in the Fluoride Varnish Program and 95% participated in the Xylitol Program.

Also known as "Baby Bottle Tooth Decay" or "Bottle Rot"
We ran a few "Fluoride Varnish Clinics" at Early Head Start Socializations
Prevention information and toothbrushes given to expectant mothers and newborn parents at Bell Memorial and Marquette General Hospitals
Prevention information and presentations given to over 500 participants including:

Lifeskills/Child Development Classes	Northern Michigan University RN students
Project Newborn/Rock n' Read	American Red Cross Babysitting Classes
Licensed Day Care Providers	Head Start/Early Head Start/Early On
Marquette Co. Health Dept. WIC clients	Marquette Co. Health Dept. Family Health Ed. Clients
Marquette Co. Dental Clinic clients	School Parent Groups
Marquette General Hospital	Bell Memorial Hospital

All students receive a toothbrush, stickers, handouts, and dental clinic information
Good oral hygiene habits are discussed in a game-like atmosphere
Information was also given to the school nurses about accessing dental care for students in our Marquette County area
During the 2006-07 school year, over 1,364 students enjoyed a dental visit from our dental health educator:

Gwinn Area Community Schools	Negaunee Public Schools
Ishpeming Public Schools	District NICE Community Schools
Marquette Area Public Schools	Powell Township School District
Republic-Michigamme Schools	Wells Township School District
Marquette County Head Start

Click here to see some great photos of area children learning about Dental Health!
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National Children's Dental Health Month (February)

Close-up of the Winning Poster for 2007!

Cecelia Attwell, 3rd grader from Cherry Creek Elementary School, took 1st place for 2007 with her winning poster design from our "Fight Tooth Decay 24/7!" contest. The theme was based on the American Dental Association's theme for Dental Health Month.
7,000 placemats of the winning poster design were distributed to 10 area restaurants.
Superior District Dental Society (SDDS) purchased B.Dalton gift certificates for all of the contest winners.
The SDDS purchased "Transport a Tooth" kits for all area schools - the kits are to be used if a student has a tooth "knocked out" during school hours.
More about Children's Dental Health Month
National Dental Hygiene Month

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For additional information on these services, please call:

Dental Health Education
184 US Highway 41 East
Negaunee, Michigan 49866
(906) 475-7848 (phone)
(906) 475-9312 (fax)

Internet Links of Interest

Last UPdate: 02 October, 2006