Facts and Myths about Fluoride

Christina CookBy Christina Cook, RDH, ECP II, Dental Operations Manager and Dental Hygienist

October is National Dental Hygiene Month and the perfect time to debunk common myths about Fluoride.

Fluoride has been vital in preventing tooth decay and strengthening teeth since the 1950’s but with the massive amount of misleading information on the internet you might be thinking otherwise. Most scientists, researchers, and healthcare professionals support the use of fluoride but with all the myths out there, what should you believe? The American Dental Association’s position on fluoride is that it is a safe, effective means of preventing tooth decay in children and adults. If this isn’t enough for you to breathe a sigh of relief, we’ll go over some more facts and myths about fluoride.

Myth: Fluoride is not natural.

Fact: Fluoride is the 13th most common element found in the world. Fluoride is a mineral. It can be found naturally in rocks, soil, water, and air. When combined with calcium and phosphate in the teeth, it not only prevents cavities from forming, but it makes the surface of your teeth stronger and less prone to cavities.

October is National Dental Hygiene MonthMyth: Fluoride is harmful to your health. While fluoride can be harmful in large amounts, it is perfectly safe if used at the recommended levels. It’s easy to rile people up by labeling things toxic, but even water is toxic if you drink too much of it.

Fact: Fluoride is known for its ability to strengthen tooth enamel. It promotes remineralization. Think of remineralization like patching the cracks in a wall to keep it strong. That is how fluoride increases the teeth’s resistance to acids attacks from dietary sugars and bacteria.

Fact: Water fluoridation was the best public health decision of the 20th century. It decreased the incidence of cavities in children and adults by up to 25 percent. Its continued ability to prevent cavities makes it a valuable tool for maintaining good oral health. 

Myth: Fluoride has been linked to cancer, chronic diseases, and autism in children.

Fact: Numerous studies and research have been conducted on this topic over the past decades, and none have shown that the addition of fluoride increases the risk of cancer, autism or other serious health problems such as diabetes, heart disease, or kidney problems. It is endorsed as being safe by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the American Dental Association (ADA), and the World Health Organization (WHO) and they support the use of fluoride in dental care.

I hope that debunking some of the most common myths about fluoride and exposing the facts will help you to make an informed decision about fluoride use for yourself and your family.

Health Partnership Clinic focuses our dental services for everyone two to 18. We’re able to treat a limited number of adults who are established dental patients. For more information or to make an appointment, call 913-648-2266.

March is a great time to show our appreciation for our Dental staff!

Celebrate

We Have Much to Celebrate at HPC in March!

National Dentist Day, March 6

National Dentist Day was created as a day to say thank you and show your appreciation for your dentist. It is celebrated annually on March 6.

Do you know?

  •  As of 2023 there are approximately 202,300 dentists who are professionally active in the United States. There are approximately 2,100 active dentists in Kansas, of which approximately 280 are specialists.
  • The education and training of dentists typically includes four years of college, four years of dental school and two to three years of residency training if a specialty is chosen.
  • There are two different, but equivalent degrees dentists may earn: Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD).
  • In the United States, 12 specialties are recognized by the American Dental Association.
  1. Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics
  2. Pedodontics
  3. Periodontics
  4. Prosthodontics
  5. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
  6. Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology
  7. Endodontics
  8. Public Health Dentistry
  9. Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology
  10. Dental Anesthesiology
  11. Oral Medicine
  12. Orofacial Pain

Special thanks to our dentist, Nader Rastgoftar, DDS, for providing top notch patient care!

Staff Recognition March 2024

National Dental Assistant Week, March 3-9

“Dental Assistants –100 Years of Supporting Oral Health” is the theme for 2024 and acknowledges the importance of dentistry’s role in health care and the contributions of dental assistants.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of 2022, there are more than 371,000 dental assistants in the United States. In Kansas, there are approximately 3,000 dental assistants.

Dental assistants wear many hats in a dental clinic! They greet patients, review medical histories, take X-rays, perform dental charting during the dentist exam, assist the dentist chairside during procedures, polish teeth, review post-operative instructions and schedule patients.

In Kansas, dental assistants are not required to be certified. However, the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) is the nationally recognized certification organization for dental assistants. Certification is a source of pride for dental assistants and provides professional advantage and potentially greater earning power.

Thank you to our HPC dental assistants Stephanie Rojas, Enid Sierra and Rachell Perez!

How to Swap Your Child’s Favorite Sugary Treats for Healthier Alternatives

By Christina Cook, RDH, ECP II, Dental Hygienist and Outreach Coordinator at Health Partnership Clinic

We all know that children and many adults have a natural love for sweets! But because childhood cavities affect over 50 percent of children, it is important to protect their oral health while satisfying their sweet tooth. In this article we are going to embark on a journey into the sweet world of healthy snack alternatives.

1. Encourage fruits and vegetables.

What better way to satisfy your child’s sweet tooth than with nature’s candy? Strawberries, apples, watermelons, bell peppers, carrots and cucumbers are all great alternatives. Here are some tips from MyPlate to make snacking on fruits and veggies more fun.

Healthy Eating Tips

Pro tip: Keep fruits and veggies rinsed, chopped and easily accessible for children to encourage healthy snacking.

2. Try a yogurt parfait.

If your child is in the mood for something more filling, a yogurt parfait is a great treat. You can try topping yogurt with their favorite fruit and crushed nuts. This is a wonderful way to incorporate vitamins, fiber and protein into your kiddo’s diet. Plus, they might enjoy creating their own unique snack by layering and adding different toppings.

Pro tip: Slice up fruits and use vanilla yogurt as a dipping treat.

How to Swap Your Child's Favorite Sugary Treats for Healthier Alternatives

3. Go nuts!

Grab a container of mixed nuts, raisins and dark chocolate chips and you have yourself a snack that will satisfy their sweet tooth and is loaded with healthy fats, nutrients and antioxidants.

4. On sizzling summer days, you can cool off with frozen treats.

Blend up their favorite fruits and pour it into popsicle molds for a delicious frozen treat to enjoy later. Other great frozen alternatives are smoothies or nice cream. If you are not familiar with nice cream, the healthier ice cream alternative, here is a link for simple recipes to try. https://feelgoodfoodie.net/recipe/nice-cream/

It is also important to encourage proper brushing, flossing and routine dental exams in addition to reducing their high sugar consumption to help prevent cavities.

If you still have questions about healthy snack alternatives, any of our dental professionals at Health Partnership Clinic would be happy to answer your questions. Make any appointment for your child by calling 913-276-7004.

Below is a quick reference guide with additional tips.

Tooth Snack Guide

Holiday Tips for Oral Health

By: Krista Lancaster, RHD, BSDH, Dental Operations Manager and Dental Hygienist

During the holidays you may find yourself attending more parties, partaking in richer foods and/or sweets and drinking more alcohol than usual. This is not the time to neglect your oral health routine!

There are a few steps that you can take, such as eating healthy food and drinking plenty of water, coupled with brushing and flossing your teeth, to maintain good oral health throughout the year.

For tips to keep your mouth healthy and your smile bright, watch our newst YouTube video!

 

 

October is National Dental Hygiene Month

Krista LancasterBy Krista Lancaster, RDH, BSDH, Dental Operations Manager and Dental Hygienist

October is National Dental Hygiene Month and a great time to talk about the importance of flossing your teeth. This single aspect of oral hygiene is likely one that dental hygienists teach more than any other.

History of Flossing

Flossing, a term used for interdental cleaning, includes not only dental floss but dental picks, oral irrigators, and small brushes. Flossing has officially been around since 1812 when it was introduced to the world by Dr. Levi Spear, in his book titled “A Practical Guide to the Management of the Teeth.” It was not until 1874 that the first patient was given dental floss. Floss was originally made from silk making it cost prohibitive for most people. Eventually, it was recreated with nylon making it more affordable.

Flossing is a simple concept, but studies show that it is the daily practice of very few Americans. A recent study looked at information from more than 9,000 American adults ages 30 and over. Approximately one third (32.4 percent) of participants say they never floss, 30 percent say they floss daily, and 37 percent say they floss, but not regularly.

The author of the study, Dr. Duong Nguyen, a medical epidemiologist with the CDC’s Epidemic Intelligence Service, believes that increasing education on the importance of flossing is key to increasing the number of people who floss daily.

The Benefits of Flossing

Oral HygieneFlossing disrupts and removes dental plaque bacteria that can lead to unhealthy periodontal tissue and interproximal caries or cavities. Plaque bacteria can lead to oral health problems such as gum disease and other health complications.

Research shows that more than 90 percent of all systemic diseases have oral manifestations, including swollen gums, mouth ulcers, dry mouth and excessive gum problems.

Some of these diseases include:

  • Diabetes
  • Leukemia
  • Oral cancer
  • Pancreatic cancer
  • Heart disease
  • Kidney disease

Regular Flossing Extends Your Life

Oral HygieneResearch shows that flossing can add 6.4 years to your life. Flossing does two things; it prevents gum disease, and it prevents heart disease. Preventing these two diseases together is what adds years to your life.

When you floss you help prevent inflammation in your gums. When your gums are inflamed you have a chronic bacterial infection in your mouth. This is harmful to your arteries in two ways, the bacteria find their way into your arteries causing plaques and your body mounts an immune response to the bacteria in your mouth, causing inflammation which can cause your arteries to narrow. This makes it difficult for your heart to do its job and can lead to heart disease.

All of this data emphasizes the need for a clean and healthy mouth. If you are not currently among the 30 percent of Americans who floss daily, Dental Hygiene Awareness Month is the perfect time to make a change.

June is Oral Health Month: Understanding Cavities and Risks

Nader RastgoftarBy Nader Rastgoftar, DDS, Dental Director and General Dentist at Health Partnership Clinic

Cavities are one of the most common dental concerns that I see at Health Partnership Clinic. Even the most diligent brushers and flossers can end up with a cavity. June is National Oral Health Month, and it serves as a reminder of the importance of good oral hygiene, including education.

No matter what your age, it is vital to see a dentist regularly and get a thorough check up twice a year. When the dentist finds signs of tooth decay, it is important to treat it immediately so you can prevent pain, limit the damage and minimize unnecessary costs.

Examples of good oral hygiene habits are brushing your teeth after every meal and before bedtime, flossing and using mouth rinse daily. Additional steps that we can take to prevent tooth decay are limiting foods, drinks and snacks which contain high amount of sugar, avoiding tobacco products, understanding the process leading to tooth decay and the risks to our oral health.

Baby teeth start to form between 3-6 months of pregnancy. The food and dietary choices that we make not only can affect our oral health outcome, but it also affects our children’s teeth development.

What causes Cavities?

Oral Health Month Bacteria, food particles and saliva combine in the mouth to form a sticky substance called plaque, which sticks to the teeth. Plaque begins to build up on teeth within 20 minutes after eating. If it is not removed, the bacteria in the plaque converts sugar from foods (carbohydrates) to acid which damages the enamel of the teeth, causing cavities.

An untreated cavity can destroy the tooth pulp (nerve and blood supply of the tooth) and lead to a infected tooth (dental abscess). An untreated tooth with dental abscess can potentially result in tooth loss. I always recommend drinking water and eating healthy opposed to consuming carbohydrates which increase the risk of tooth decay. Sticky foods are more harmful than non-sticky foods because they remain on the teeth. In addition, frequent snacking increases the time that acids are in contact with the surface of the tooth.

How do you Prevent Cavities?

Here are some ways that can help prevent cavities:

  • Minimize snacking, which creates a constant supply of acid in the mouth.
  • Avoid constant sipping of sugary drinks, carbonated drinks or frequent sucking on candy and mints.
  • Chewy, sticky foods (such as dried fruit or candy) are best if eaten as part of a meal rather than as a snack.
  • Brush at least twice a day for two minutes, after eating.
    • Use American Dental Association (ADA) accepted fluoride toothpaste to prevent cavities.
    • Replace your toothbrush every three months or whenever the bristles show sign of wear.
  • Floss at least once a day. After each meal is best!
  • Schedule regular dental cleanings every six months.

How do you Treat Cavities?

Oral Health MonthPrompt treatment of cavities is important in preventing further damage to your tooth or an infection. A dental examination can identify cavities, and an X-ray may help to determine the extent of the cavity between the teeth.

In the case of toothache due to large cavities, over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol), may make you more comfortable until the cavities are treated by your dentist.

Dentists remove the decay from tooth using small burs, and restore it with material such as silver alloy, gold, porcelain, or composite resin. Today, most dentists use porcelain or composite resin—which is like the color tooth.

Severe cavities may require extensive dental work, including root canal therapy, crown or tooth extraction.

Your Oral Health

Oral Health MonthOral health can have an impact on your overall wellbeing so this June consider the preventative steps you can take to make sure your mouth and the rest of your body are healthy throughout the year.

Health Partnership provides comprehensive dental services in Olathe and Ottawa, Kan. to children and limited adults who are established patients. Services include dental exams, cleanings, fluoride varnish applications, fillings, extractions, etc. There are limited emergency dental appointments at our Olathe location.

In addition, we offer school-based portal care services. We currently visit 21 Title One Schools in Shawnee Mission and Olathe School Districts and provide dental screenings and fluoride varnish applications. In addition, we visit with children attending Growing Futures Early Education Center in Overland Park, Kan. and provide dental exams and x-rays, cleanings, fluoride varnish applications and dental hygiene education.

To schedule a dental appointment, call 913-648-2266 today. To learn more about our other services, visit us at hpcks.org.

HPC partners with UHC and Optimists to sponsor Dental Coloring Contest

By Catherine Rice, Vice President of Marketing/Outreach

To celebrate National Children’s Dental Health Month in February, Health Partnership Clinic (HPC) is partnering with UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Kansas and the Olathe Noon Optimists Club to sponsor a coloring contest for third graders attending Title 1 schools in the Olathe and Shawnee Mission School Districts. Fourteen schools will be participating.

This year’s theme is around “loving your teeth” by brushing and flossing. The contest runs from now till Feb. 17. Prizes will be awarded, and winners’ artwork will be displayed at the Olathe Clinic.

Olathe Coloring Page (PDF) | Shawnee Mission Coloring Page (PDF)

Dental Hygiene

Dental Coloring ContestDental hygiene is one of the most important things we can teach our children, and it needs to start early. Excellent oral hygiene is a life skill that children will use for the rest of their lives, and it can impact their overall health and even their ability to grow and learn.

“We are so happy about this opportunity to remind kids about the importance of dental health and self-care and thrilled to do it with this fun and engaging contest,” says Laura Canelos, Director of Community Outreach for UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Kansas.

The coloring contest is a great way to remind children of the importance of dental hygiene and make it fun. Last year, the clinic, along with UHC, hosted its first coloring contest in celebration of the clinic’s 30 years of service. Nearly 300 Olathe third grade students participated. We hope to attract even more entries this year by welcoming students from Shawnee Mission’s Title 1 schools.

“We at the Olathe Noon Optimists Club are thrilled to partner with Health Partnership and UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Kansas to raise awareness about oral health,” adds William Shafer, President of the Olathe Noon Optimists Club. “The Optimists have a long-standing tradition of helping elementary students with dictionaries and high school students with scholarship money toward college. Participating in the Children’s Coloring Contest is the perfect type of collaboration we search for!”

There are lots of resources online on how to instruct your children about brushing and flossing their teeth. Below are some quick and easy-to-remember tips.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Brushing Teeth:

  1. Use the Right Amount of Toothpaste: The ADA recommends using a grain-of-rice-sized amount of toothpaste for children under three years old and a pea-sized amount for children ages three and older. Make sure your child spits out the toothpaste and never swallows it.
  2. Correctly Angle the Toothbrush: Angle the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle toward the gumline.
  3. Brush with the Proper Technique: Use tooth-sized strokes to gently brush the teeth. Make sure to entirely clean the front, back and chewing surfaces of the teeth.
  4. Don’t Forget the Tongue: The tongue is full of harmful bacteria, and it must get cleaned with a toothbrush or tongue scraper every time your child brushes their teeth.
  5. Finish with Floss: As soon as two of your child’s teeth touch, it is time to start flossing. Guide the floss between the teeth, and be sure to curve it along the entire length of the tooth. Use a new section of floss for each tooth. For older kids (and adults), a fluoride mouthwash or rinse can provide additional protection.

Parents…Make it fun!

Lead by Example: Have your children watch when you brush your teeth and encourage them to try it themselves. You can even try to have your child brush your teeth while you brush theirs.

Play Some Tunes: Brushing time doesn’t have to be boring; spice it up with your children’s favorite tunes. Try to shoot for songs that are about two minutes. Singing Happy Birthday twice always works, too!

Let Your Child Choose: Let your children pick out a toothbrush and toothpaste that they like. There are lots of colorful toothbrushes with fun cartoon characters and many flavors of toothpaste.

Parents remember it is vital to receive regular checkups, provide a healthy diet and teach good oral hygiene habits. This will help prevent cavities and keep those smiles bright.

HPC provides dental services to children and teens and accepts Medicaid and other insurance plans. We also offer a sliding fee discount program for those who qualify. To schedule an appointment, call 913-648-2266. To learn more about our services, visit https://hpcks.org/our-services/dental/.

Dental Health Month - Coloring Contest Sponsors

Oral Health Kansas Recognizes Two Health Partnership Dental Professionals

Nader and Christina

By Catherine Rice, Vice President of Marketing/Outreach

Health Partnership Clinic (HPC) is proud to announce that two of our dental professionals were awarded Excellence in Oral Health awards recently. Nader Rastgoftar, DDS, Dental Director, known by patients as “Dr. Nader,” received the Outstanding Dentist Award and Christina Cook, RDH, Outreach Coordinator, the Outstanding Dental Hygienist Award.

 The awards were presented by Oral Health Kansas’ board president Sonja Armbruster and board secretary Dr. Nick Rogers at their annual conference. Both Dr. Nader and Ms. Cook received their respective awards for going beyond the call of duty and their commitment to better oral health for all Kansans.

Nader Rastgoftar, DDS

Nader RastgoftarFor Dr. Nader the idea of working in the healthcare field started with a severe broken wrist in 2003, the same year he migrated from his home country of Iran to the United States. Requiring emergency surgery on his wrist, Dr. Nader witnessed firsthand how a healthcare provider can leave a positive and lasting impact on a person’s life. Because of his doctor’s excellent care and positive bedside manner, his wrist healed with full functionality. This eventually propelled the young engineer toward a whole new career—dentistry.

Several years later, Dr. Nader enrolled and was accepted to UMKC School of Dentistry and soon discovered that the manual dexterity, problem solving and artistic aspect of dentistry to be very similar to his previous experience in engineering. After graduating in 2015, he immediately started practicing as a general dentist at HPC, a federally qualified health center in Olathe, Kan. He was later named Dental Director in 2021.

Dr. Nader brings a unique perspective to oral health. As an immigrant himself, he understands the importance of access to care in vulnerable populations. The immigrant population is especially at higher risk of developing dental and periodontal diseases. The clinic serves a high number of immigrants and those who are uninsured. Besides English, he also speaks Farsi, Turkish and some Thai, Arabic and Spanish, which often helps patients feel more comfortable and at home. Dr. Nader strongly believes that providing high quality, culturally competent and accessible dental care to everyone, regardless of his or her ability to pay, not only makes a difference in that person’s life but also elevates the overall health and wellness of the community.

Over the last couple of years, Dr. Nader has been on the front lines of COVID-19… often uncharted territory. He has shown exceptional leadership and helped implement several capital improvements to the Dental Department to protect patients and staff while navigating ways to provide quality and safe dental care during a pandemic. While most dental services were suspended due to COVID, Dr. Nader and his colleague triaged and evaluated dental emergencies and provided treatment when needed. When he assumed leadership responsibilities in 2021, he immediately focused on restarting services and supporting the staff.

Dr. Nader continues to build a strong culture among his team while balancing job resignations and welcoming new staff. He has accomplished the hiring challenge by ensuring new hires bring with them a thirst to learn and a positive attitude. The technical skills are teachable, but a person must be able to demonstrate and live the mission. There is no better example than Dr. Nader. With a servant’s heart, he values both staff and patients, brings a high level of humility and is always there, listening and caring for all.

Over the last year, Dr. Nader restarted dental services in Ottawa, Kan. twice a month, providing needed dental access to children living in rural communities. In addition, the clinic’s school-based portal dental program has been rebooted. Last calendar year, the Dental team screened and provided fluoride treatments to thousands of children at more than 20 Title 1 schools in the Olathe and Shawnee Mission School Districts. Children without dental homes are encouraged to follow up with Dr. Nader at the clinic. Under his direction, dental services are also provided at Shawnee Mission West High School at the clinic’s school-based clinic in Overland Park, Kan.

In addition, Dr. Nader and his team work tirelessly to support uninsured children experiencing severe emergency dental pain associated with abscesses, broken teeth, severe toothaches and other emergencies. The clinic provides both preventive and restorative care to children and young adults. About 25 percent of pediatric dental visits involve emergencies. Dr. Nader and his team are always looking at ways to address the needs of children’s oral health.

Dr. Nader strongly believes educating parents and children about proper oral care habits—from an early age—is vital to their overall health. Prevention is always better than the cure, he always says. He and his team attend community health events to help educate parents and children about the need for brushing, flossing and eating right.

This summer, Dr. Nader and his staff attended the Olathe Public Schools’ Back to School Community Outreach Event. The Dental team provided 38 dental screenings and fluorides and identified seven painful abscesses, which Dr. Nader was able to write orders for antibiotics and follow up appointments were made. The impact: Seven children are now ready to start the school year off, pain free!

Last year, Dr. Nader advocated expanding the Dental Department services to include porcelain bridges for adult patients. His first case of a three-unit porcelain anterior bridge was completed in February 2022. The patient’s life was transformed. Prior to the procedure, she wore a fabricated three-unit basket metal bridge which was uncomfortable and unsightly. Today, she feels more confident and loves her new smile. The impact is priceless.

Dr. Nader’s welcoming environment extends to foster parents and children. Many children who visit the clinic are on the Autism Spectrum and often have sensory issues. It is often difficult for them to tolerate someone probing around in their mouth. But Dr. Rastgoftar and his staff have always been very sensitive to their needs and make accommodations whenever possible.

Besides providing dental care, Dr. Nader is a member of the executive team and an active member of the clinic’s Quality Improvement Committee, putting the priorities of the clinic’s Dental department in focus. He continues to develop and update policies and procedures to ensure safety and quality.

Away from the clinic, Dr. Nader enjoys spending time with his wife and three young boys and loves grilling, watching football, fishing and gardening.

Christina Cook, RDH, Outreach Coordinator

Christina Cook

Helping patients become a healthier version of themselves is a driving force for Christina Cook, RDH, Outreach Coordinator, who serves as a registered dental hygienist at HPC.

Since becoming a dental hygienist in 2009, Ms. Cook’s commitment to improving oral health, reducing oral disease risk factors such as smoking or vaping and addressing poor nutrition, lack of access to oral health care and oral hygiene education and the need to incorporate oral health early in the development of children, has never faltered. It has only grown stronger.

Ms. Cook joined HPC in October 2019 just months before the start of the COVID-19 Pandemic. She came with a solid background working in a school-based setting and was looking forward to jumpstarting the clinic’s School-Based Portal Dental Care program. However, the pandemic threw a curve ball, and all dental services were temporarily suspended. But Ms. Cook stayed positive and knew in her heart that the clinic would eventually need her expertise.

With the introduction of vaccines and lowering infection numbers, the CDC and American Dental Association, announced the return to onsite dental care. Upon her return to the clinic, Ms. Cook set into motion the steps needed to help restart dental services and to be ready when schools welcomed back onsite dental services. As the Outreach Coordinator, she was the key lead in developing a return plan to the schools, ensuring the clinic was meeting the new needs and requirements of the school district, interfacing with school and health care administrators, nurses, parents and patients.

Last school year, Ms. Cook saw 6,000 youngsters in more than 20 schools and, on average, identified six patients per school with dental emergencies. Her supervisor says she has revolutionized the way the clinic is now able to provide services to the school. And school nurses agree.

A school nurse at Fairview Elementary School in Olathe, Kan. recently sent a letter writing how grateful she was to everyone associated with Health Partnership’s dental services and for totally changing the landscape of dental care in the community and making a phenomenal, positive impact on the dental health of children and families. She also called out to Ms. Cook. “I want to specifically thank Christina…for her excellent communication, effective and flexible plans and procedures, commitment to reduce workload for nurses dealing with COVID and the relentless, empathetic interventions to provide screenings and dental care for families. It was absolutely amazing!”

Ms. Cook’s intuitiveness is so appreciated by school nurses. Her gentle reminders, patience and wonderful assistance in scheduling and conducting the screenings make the process easy and fast. Her professional excellence and kindness have truly impacted the community and the future is much brighter for those children.

In addition to 20 elementary schools, Ms. Cook provides monthly dental services at Shawnee Mission West High School, Health Partnership’s school-based health clinic in Overland Park, Kan. As more staff is hired, it is anticipated additional services will be offered.

Her strong work ethic, patient care skills, knowledge and experience have made a huge difference at the clinic. She can work harmoniously with others and is honest, dependable and incredibly hard-working. When there was a lull in patient care during the pandemic, Ms. Cook volunteered to help paint the Dental Department—knowing it would be a more welcoming environment for patients. She is also a member of the clinic’s 30th Anniversary Committee and has volunteer to attend health fairs and marketing events. In addition, she wrote two health blogs that were shared on the clinic’s social medial sites—furthering the messaging around preventative dental care. This giving heart is what makes Ms. Cook an asset to the organization.

Ms. Cooks’ rapport with patients is heartwarming, and they appreciate her kind and realistic approach to patient care. More than 94 percent of patients surveyed rate Ms. Cook and dental services provided as “very satisfied.” Ms. Cook understands that not all patients like going to the dentist. Some have anxiety about it, others have a more severe fear that makes them much harder to treat in such a short period of time. As a hygienist she knows that she must not only perform her job well and quickly but also make patients feel safe and comfortable. She takes this responsibility seriously and works tirelessly to ensure patients return to the clinic.

Ms. Cook is a true team player and always manages to foster positive discussion and bring the best out of not only her teammates but her supervisor as well. Her supervisor says that there is no project too large for her. Ms. Cook recently took the lead with an HRSA Capital Grant, allowing the Dental Department to purchase much needed equipment to the tune of $120,000. She rolled up her sleeves and developed a procurement process, aligned with our Finance Department, to include equipment specifications and bid reviews, vendor selections and recommendations for dental chairs for patients and staff. The process went smoothly, and all equipment should be arriving by the end of the fiscal year.

Both Dr. Nader and Ms. Cook have made a sustainable impact on HPC, exemplifies the mission of the clinic and have positively impacted the people served by Health Partnership.

June is Oral Health Month – Brushing and Flossing Key to Healthy Teeth

Nader RastgoftarBy Nader Rastgoftar, DDS, Dental Director and General Dentist at Health Partnership Clinic

Did you know that cavities (tooth decay) are one of the most common chronic diseases of childhood in the United States?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about one in five (20 percent) children aged five to 11 years have at least one untreated decayed tooth. The percentage of children and adolescents aged five to 19 years with untreated cavities is twice as high for children from low-income households (25 percent) compared with children from higher-income households (12 percent).

June is Oral Health Month, and it is a perfect time to remind parents about the importance of brushing and flossing. These two steps can limit cavities and keep children smiling.

Poor oral health can have a detrimental effect on children’s quality of life, their performance at school, and their success later in life. Cavities are preventable and ensuring that students have the preventive oral health services they need in school is important in helping them stay healthy and ready to learn.

School-Based Portable Dental Care

Dental cleaningAt Health Partnership Clinic, we provide school-based portable dental care to Title One schools in Olathe and Shawnee Mission School Districts and Head Start programs. In these locations, we see children who don’t have a dental home or have not seen a dentist in more than a year. We provide dental screenings and sealants. Dental sealants prevent cavities for many years. Children aged six to 11 without sealants have almost three times more first molar cavities than children without sealants.

If we identify issues such as cavities, we schedule an appointment at our Olathe clinic for follow up. In addition to the check up, we also educate students about how to brush and floss. Our dental team, which includes a dental hygienist and dental assistant, do a fantastic job in engaging children and reminding them about the importance of oral health. Our school partners believe we play a key role in their children’s school success!

With summer just around the corner, parents need to make sure their children are practicing good oral health at home. Be sure to watch your children brush their teeth!

Here are some tips on how to prevent tooth decay:

  1. Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a fluoride-containing toothpaste. Preferably, brush after each meal and especially before going to bed.
  2. Clean between your teeth daily with dental floss or interdental cleaners, such as the Oral-B Interdental Brush.
  3. Rinse daily with a fluoride-containing mouthwash. Some rinses also have antiseptic ingredients to help kill bacteria that cause plaque.
  4. Eat nutritious and balanced meals and limit snacks. Avoid carbohydrates such as candy, pretzels and chips, which can remain on the tooth surface. If sticky foods are eaten, brush your teeth soon afterwards.
  5. Check with your dentist about using supplemental fluoride, which strengthens your teeth.
  6. Ask your dentist about dental sealants (a plastic protective coating) applied to the chewing surfaces of your back teeth (molars) to protect them from decay.
  7. Drink fluoridated water. At least a pint of fluoridated water each day is needed to protect children from tooth decay.
  8. Visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and oral exams.

To learn more about our dental services, visit the dental services page on our website.

Cavity Prevention Starts Before the First Tooth

Christina CookBy Christina Cook, RDH, ECP II, Dental Hygienist at Health Partnership Clinic

February marks Children’s Dental Health Month, and it’s an excellent time to think about prevention and starting healthy habits.

At Health Partnership Clinic (HPC), we understand the importance of preventing problems and not just treating problems when they arise and that is why we recommend oral hygiene habits begin prior to the first tooth.

Your child’s gums should be wiped twice a day with a soft, clean cloth in the morning after the first feeding and right before bed to wipe away bacteria and sugars that can cause cavities. This also gets your child accustomed to the act of cleaning the mouth and the feeling of a clean mouth. Once the teeth begin to erupt you can brush twice a day with plain water.

February is Children's Dental Health MonthChildren should make their introductory trip to the dentist when their first tooth appears or on their first birthday, whichever comes first. The first visit to the dentist is consider a “happy visit”. The purpose of this visit is to introduce them to the dental office, review hygiene habits, provide nutritional recommendations and perform a growth and development check. It is important that you follow the recommendations of the dental professionals because the enamel of the tooth (hard outer layer) is much thinner and softer on baby teeth, making them at greater risk of decay. Once a cavity starts, they can grow faster and lead to pain quicker than on an adult tooth. The good news is with regular checkups, a healthy diet and good oral hygiene habits cavities are preventable.

Tips for Preventing Tooth Decay in Children

  • February is Children's Dental Health MonthBrush the teeth twice a day using the correct amount of toothpaste based on the child’s age.
  • Although children want to do things on their own, they are not able to do a good job brushing their teeth until they can tie their shoes and even then, they should be supervised until age 11.
  • Many times, baby teeth have spacing which allows the toothbrush bristles to clean between the teeth. Once the teeth are touching it is recommended to floss once a day at nighttime to prevent cavities between the teeth. Your child will also need assistance with flossing until around age 11.
  • February is Children's Dental Health MonthMy biggest nutritional tip I can give is limit sugary drinks and snacking. A small amount of milk and juice is okay with a meal, but plain water is recommended between meals. When choosing snacks choose whole foods like fruits, vegetables, nuts and cheese opposed to processed foods like chips, cookies and candies.
  • Visit a dentist every six months to detect problems early and to prevent future problems. Also ask your dentist about Fluoride varnish treatments to strengthen the teeth and sealants to protect the chewing surface of the back teeth.

HPC provides dental services to children and teens and accepts Medicaid and other insurance plans. We also offer a sliding fee discount program for those who qualify.

To schedule an appointment, call 913-648-2266.

To learn more about our services, visit https://hpcks.org/our-services/dental/.