West Haven Public Schools Superintendent Neil Cavallaro and Nursing Supervisor Donna Kosiorowski have been working with Michelle Caprio and Sharon McCreven, RDH of Visiting Dental Hygiene Services to bring a dental care program into the school system. The pilot program began on Oct. 6 as the students of Savin Rock Elementary School had a presentation followed by dental screenings which began on Oct. 13.
The initial response was 183 students, who brought back their permission slips and are receiving a dental screening which includes evaluation for possible cavities, visible plaque on their teeth and any gingivitis as a result and the presence of sealants on permanent molars to protect teeth from decay.
The students who participate in the program receive a bag of dental products and an assessment report for their parents to be aware of the findings of their screenings. Once all screenings are completed students will then be offered a cleaning, fluoride treatment and sealants in school and a referral to a dentist if any further work needs to be completed.
Caprio and McCreven are both lifelong Westies and graduates of WHHS. McCreven received her degree from University of Bridgeport’s Fones School of Dental Hygiene and each has worked in the dental field for more 30 years.
“We were pleased to partner with Visiting Dental Hygiene Services. Over 180 students and their families took advantage of this service and will now be guided towards a program that will ensure proper dental care. It was a huge success, and we’ll look forward to continuing the program at our other schools,” said Cavallaro.