Florida Department of Health – Nassau
Contact: Ronnie Nessler
[email protected]
March 25, 2017 1:00 p.m.
As part of National Public Health Week, April 3-7, 2017, Florida Department of Health in Nassau is celebrating the completion of a third dental operatory at the Hilliard Dental Clinic, 37203 Pecan Street, Hilliard, FL 32046. The operatory was completed through a generous donation of equipment and installation and site renovation by County Maintenance.
The public health dental program serves primarily children and at-risk adults covered under Medicaid or special grants. The main clinic, located at the Yulee Full Service School, was established in 1996. The program expanded to establish the Hilliard dental clinic with two operatories in 2007. By opening a third operatory, the dental team, composed of a dentist, dental hygienist or dental assistance and support clerk, are able to serve more patients on the days they provide services in Hilliard (Mondays & Wednesdays). Additionally, through the use of telehealth technology, a dental hygienist can provide treatment in Hilliard and consult as needed with the dentist who is working at the Yulee site.
Annually, both dental clinics combine serve approximately 2000 unduplicated clients.
According to Dr. Eugenia Ngo-Seidel, County Health Department Director, “increasing access to oral health services is an important goal to improve individual and community health”. There is a shortage of dentists in our community, especially in western Nassau. There is less water fluoridation, either naturally occurring or added to municipal water supply in Nassau’s rural communities, which can increase the risk of childhood dental caries. Other preventive strategies in place to improve children’s dental health include the fluoride swish program at Callahan Elementary and school based sealants provided by the Health Department in high-risk areas. More information about the Health Department’s dental programs is available at www.nassau.floridahealth.gov/ or by calling 904.530.6800
The public is invited to the ribbon cutting for the new dental operatory on Friday, April 7th at 3 pm. Other public health programs including School Health and WIC (Women’s, Infants & Children) will also be showcasing their programs during an Open House from 2-4 pm immediately prior to and after the ceremony.
About the Florida Department of Health
The department works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.
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