01/13/2012
RAMC Brings Bright Smiles to Area Children
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Did you know that tooth decay is the single most common chronic disease during childhood? As a first step in overcoming this disease, RAMC is proud to bring the Bright Smiles program to area classrooms.
At left, Jodie Molitor, with the Bright Smiles Program shows some very eager 4 year olds the proper way to brush their teeth and what healthy foods to eat.
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Tooth decay has become a nationwide issue that is reaching epidemic proportions, and the Reedsburg area is no exception. The most recent Sauk County health needs assessment has identified oral health as an extremely high health need. Poor oral health can negatively impact so many parts of a person’s life and health – from the ability to talk, eat, sleep and concentrate to loss of self-esteem to being linked to both heart disease and diabetes.
As a first step in overcoming this health risk for our children, Reedsburg Area Medical Center (RAMC) is proud to bring the Bright Smiles program to area classrooms. Through Bright Smiles, each participating child will receive toothbrushes and toothpaste for use to brush during the day at school and additional supplies to take home over the summer months. Extra sets will also be available for those children who might not have adequate supplies at home. Bright Smiles is being implemented in all 4k classrooms this school year, with commitment from the Reedsburg Public School District to expand the program to include all 4k – 1st grade classrooms by the 2013-14 school year. It is also being introduced to area parochial schools and will be piloted in all other willing grade school classrooms. RAMC strongly believes that the early development of proper oral hygiene habits is vital to improving the health of Reedsburg area children.
Many other community businesses and groups have become integral partners of the Bright Smiles program and without their continual support, Bright Smiles would not be able to provide such a positive impact on the lives of so many area children. We would like to thank the following: Sauk County Public Health, Partners of Reedsburg Area Medical Center, Hatch Dental, Downtown Family Dental of Baraboo, Dr. Terry Baxter of Baxter Dental, Dr. Mark Paschen of Baraboo Dental Associates, Midwest Dental, Dells Dental, the Reedsburg Pamida and Anytime Fitness of Reedsburg.
Pass the word on to fellow community members and encourage parents to ask their children’s teacher how to get Bright Smiles into their classroom. For more information on this program, please contact Emily Herritz at (608) 524-6487 ext. 2006 or eherritz@ramchealth.org. We look forward to making Bright Smiles an annual program and working to brighten the smiles of countless area children for years to come!