Grant will expand dentistry in Vermont schools

A $125,000 grant will allow the Community Health Centers of the Rutland Region to establish a dental program in the schools in Rutland, VT, said Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT).

"There are many Vermonters who have lost their teeth or who suffer a lot of unnecessary pain because, for lack of money or access, they have not been able to get to a dentist when they should," said Sen. Sanders. "There are many children in this state who have untreated cavities or other dental problems who have never seen a dentist."

The Rutland school dental program would follow a model at the H.O. Wheeler School in Burlington, VT. The program operated by the Community Health Center of Burlington draws students from throughout the city. A similar program just opened in Tunbridge, VT, to provide dental services for students in that region. Also, in Swanton, VT, the Northern Tier Center for Health will soon open a year-round dental program at Missisquoi Valley Union School to serve the Franklin County community and students.

"When we talk about providing good quality cost-effective dental care to our kids, there is no way to do it better than a dental office in a school supported by a local community health center," Sen. Sanders said.

Vermont's eight Federally Qualified Health Centers and 41 satellite offices now serve 113,000 patients, more people, per capita, than any other state, he added. "One of the reasons we have been so successful in expanding primary health care is because of the growth of programs like the Community Health Centers of the Rutland Region."