Dental Health Solutions For Children Resources

Page updated March 8, 2010

History of Program

In 2000, a Salem-Keizer third grader was unable to concentrate in class due to a painful toothache. He was sent to the office and was given ice to hold against his cheek. His mother came for him, but being uninsured and struggling financially, her options were scarce. Within hours, the boy's cheek was twice its normal size.

Luckily a nearby dentist was available and agreed to provide free emergency treatment. Upon extracting the infected tooth, the dentist reported that our young student would have most likely died within several days from the infection.

Recognizing that dental disease can be fatal, the Salem-Keizer School District and local community took action. With guidance from Stand for Children (a grass-roots child advocacy organization), agency leaders, school district personnel, community members, and local dental professionals formed the Dental Health Solutions for Children Committee. In 2001, this Committee created and implemented a comprehensive dental health program.

This program has a "three-pronged" approach:

Dental Health Education
Prevention Services
Access to Treatment

Our innovative approach maximizes our community stakeholder involvement, utilizes volunteer service, emphasizes coordination with existing organizations, and involves working with families to establish long term solutions to dental disease.