June 15, 2012 - City of Boulder and community agencies collaborate for free dental services

Media Contacts:
Cindy Smith, Children, Youth & Families Division Manager, 303-441-4045
Sarah Huntley, Media Relations, 303-441-3155
www.bouldercolorado.gov 

City of Boulder and community agencies collaborate for free dental services

The City of Boulder Family Resource Center (FRC), in collaboration with Dental Aid, Boulder Valley School District (BVSD), and the YMCA of Boulder Valley, is providing free dental screening and treatments through the school district’s summer school programs at University Hill elementary on June 18, at Columbine elementary June 19 and at Arapahoe Ridge Campus on June 20. These services are available to the students enrolled in the 2012 summer school program.

Oral health is integral to the general health and well-being of young children. Untreated dental problems can result in chronic pain and early tooth loss, inability to concentrate at school, absence from school, reduced self-esteem and psychosocial problems. According to a 2011 study from the Journal of Evidence-Based Dental Practice, children with poor oral health were 2.3 times more likely to report poor school performance. For these reasons, more than 800 at risk children who may not have access to regular dental care are being targeted for dental services through this collaborative effort.

This project is funded primarily by Boulder County’s Front-End Prevention, Early Intervention and Emergency Human Services program, which provides program dollars to Dental Aid and the FRC. The FRC is spearheading the effort and providing administrative support. BVSD is helping to coordinate screening services at each of its summer school sites within the City of Boulder. The YMCA, through CATCH Camps, will provide access to follow-up care for students whose screenings revealed dental problems. Dental Aid will provide on-site services including screening, cleaning, fluoride treatment, sealants and other treatments.

For more information about this program, contact Kathryn Coleman at 303-441-3344, or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . The Family Resource Center Program is part of the Department of Housing and Human Services.  

Last Updated on Thursday, 21 June 2012 10:10