LIBERTY Dental
Plan Sponsors 'Smile Keepers' Dental Health Program in
Sacramento with Outstanding Results
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif.--(BUSINESS
WIRE)--Dec. 22, 2005-- LIBERTY
Dental Plan of California, Inc. (LIBERTY) announced the
results of the first round of dental health preventive
services through its partnership with the Sacramento County
Department of Health & Human Services "Smile
Keepers" Dental Health program today.
Through November 2005, approximately 530 children in 41
class rooms from 18 Head Start schools have received Fluoride
Varnish treatment. "We are keeping our focus on supporting
community based programs who reach directly to those who
would not otherwise be able to afford treatment,"
said Amir Neshat, D.D.S., LIBERTY's CEO. "Fluoride
Varnish is a proven and successful method for cavity prevention.
We are encouraged that the screenings, preventive services
and nutritional information provided, will go a long way
in putting brighter smiles on thousands of Head Start
school children."
Sacramento County's Dental Health Program Director, Kate
Varanelli, stated: "The staff loves working with
the children. It's a great way to introduce children to
dentistry while providing them with a very effective preventive
service. Because the children are in their own comfortable
environment with others they know, it is very rare that
a child will not let the hygienist apply the fluoride
varnish. It's a positive experience for all involved and
an opportunity to start a young child on a lifetime of
oral health." Dental health screenings and preventive
services are provided to children participating in the
"Smile Keepers" Dental Health school-based Program.
Following consent from parents or guardians, a screening
is performed followed by the Fluoride Varnish treatment
which is applied to aid in the strengthening of the teeth
and to prevent teeth from getting cavities. Results and
referral information are provided with follow-up to assist
in accessing dental care in the future.
LIBERTY and the County of Sacramento partnered together
this past July to provide Fluoride Varnish in approximately
87 Head Start classrooms in 2005 - 2006. LIBERTY has pledged
to provide financial support, incentives including toothbrushes
and dental floss for use at health fairs, community events
and presentations, support personnel and translation services.
About LIBERTY: LIBERTY Dental Plan of California, Inc.,
a Knox Keene licensed dental plan in California, offers
dental benefits in California through a network of over
3,000 dentists and dental specialists. LIBERTY is also
contracted with the State Department of Health Services
as a Sacramento County GMC Dental Plan and Los Angeles
County PHP Dental Plan.
Contacts
LIBERTY Dental Plan of California, Inc.
John Carvelli, 888-703-6999
or
Sacramento County DHHS
Kate Varanelli, 916-875-6259 |
