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Dentist makes house calls at Market Street
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Hygienist Jan Madigan (left) had a light touch as she checked out the chompers of Gracelyn Kelty.
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Waiting patiently to get their teeth checked out were Peyton Melchionne (left), Bailee Windoloski, and Hallie Warner. They showed off their bright smiles that were about to get a little brighter.
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Jan Madigan (right) put Hallie Warner in the right position for an x-ray of her teeth.
By SARAH FOOR
Walking past Market Street Elementary’s multi-purpose room on May 16 offered students and teachers at the school some out-of-the-ordinary sights and sounds.
That morning, there were sounds of dental machinery and students suiting up in blue X-ray vests as part of a visit from the Mobile Dentist.
The Smile Care company, based in Michigan, have been visiting Market Street Elementary for eight years, offering a reduced price or full grant to help kids receive preventative dental care, including cleanings, sealants, and X-rays. On May 16, the mobile crew provided care for 44 Market Street students.
“Dental care is an important part of overall health,” explained school nurse Tevis Dimascio. “Some of the students today wouldn’t see the dentist otherwise, whether it’s because their parents are too busy to take a day off of work or maybe insurance doesn’t cover it. No matter the reason, we’re happy to help offer the service.”
Dwight Fox was the dentist on hand, with hygienists Kelli Lewis and Jan Madigan assisting the students.
The sights and sounds of the dentist scared some of the younger kids, but Peyton Melchionne and Hallie Warner were actually excited to jump into the dentist’s chair.
“We’ve done it before and it was great,” Warner assured a friend.
“After last year’s cleaning, my friends said my teeth looked really good,” Melchionne shared.
Fox was glad his mobile office wasn’t a scary place.
“I started doing dentistry on the road about four and a half years ago now,” he reflected. “I’m proud of it. I like the work, I like the people and it’s great to offer the kids care that they might not get otherwise.”