Bringing Oral Health directly to SAW classrooms
The ARDC established an oral health school-based program back in 2008. Since then thousands of children have received preventative oral care at no out-of-pocket cost.
83% of the kids we serve are medically underserved, cannot afford regular dental check ups and as a result, suffer from higher rates of tooth decay.
During the school year 2022-2023, 958 children received care throughORCAS!
The importance of Oral Health Routine Care at an early age
Dental disease is the most important health threat faced by children in our country. According to the CDC, tooth decay is the #1 chronic disease in children aged 6 to 19. For the State of Virginia, Virginia Health Catalyst found that 47% of third graders have experienced tooth decay in their life. That number climbs up to 59% for third graders participating in the free and reduced lunch program.
At a crucial age when children develop their personality and explore the world, untreated dental diseases can lead to severe pain, infections, malnutrition, poor speech articulation, low-self-esteem, and social ostracism. Affected kids are also more likely to miss school and have lower grades. According to the U.S. Surgeon General, about 250,000 school hours are lost each year due to dental diseases.
Bringing Oral Health directly to SAW classrooms
Fortunately, dental diseases are easy to prevent and treat if taken at an early stage. That is why our charitable clinic has been running a school-based oral health program called ORCAS for the past 15 years.
Our ORCAS program is managed in coordination with elementary schools’ administration and nurses of the Augusta County area. Our clinical team visits each school enrolled in the program once a year minimum and provides dental exams. During this appointment, each child is seen by a dentist and receives:
a full examination
safe dental x-rays
fluoride varnish
sealants (as determined to be appropriate by our dentist)
goodie bag containing a toothbrush and toothpaste
a treatment plan for the parent detailing the child’s oral care need and recommending any additional care needed
follow-up calls are made to the family to answer the parent’s questions and ensure each student has a “Dental Home” to provide ongoing oral health care
Our program also includes an educational part with hands-on activities and gives children the opportunity to discuss in a fun way the importance of oral hygiene and good eating habits with our team. Those visits directly at the school are much appreciated by the enrolled families and young patients. Parents do not have to take time off work, visits are provided at no out of pocket cost, and children are seen in a familiar setting which lowers dental anxiety.
2023-2024 School Year schedule:
09/06 - Stuarts Draft Elementary
09/13 - Wilson Elementary (generously adopted by the Fishersville United Methodist Church)
09/20 - Berkeley Glenn Elementary
09/27 - Churchville Elementary
10/04 - William Perry Elementary
10/11 - Stewart Middle School
10/18 - Westwood Elementary
10/25 - Stump Elementary
11/01 - Clymore Elementary (generously adopted by Dr. Brian T. Brumbaugh, DDS)
11/15 - Wenonah Elementary
11/29 - Wilson Middle School
12/06 - Hugh K. Cassell Elementary
12/13 - Wayne Hills Center
01/24 - Riverheads Elementary (generously adopted by the Staunton Rotary Club)
02/21/24 - Wayne Hills Center
02/28/24 - Craigsville Elementary
03/13/24 - Stuarts Draft Elementary (generously adopted by Converge)
03/20/24 - Wilson Elementary
04/03/24 - Riverheads Elementary
04/10/24 - Berkley Glenn Elementary
04/17/24 - North River Elementary
04/24/24 - Westwood Elementary
05/01/24 - Stump Elementary
The ARDC team warmly thanks the partnering schools and school nurses who make our program and visits possible!
Not part of the program yet? Give us a call today at (540)-221-6635 and ask to speak with our Office Manager. We will get you set up in no time!
Want to support ORCAS? Adopt a School!
"Adopt a School" today and make sure no child in our community goes without basic dental care.
Donations can be mailed to ARDC PO Box 153 Fishersville, VA 22939 (please include the name of the school you wish to adopt in the memo line of your check). Yu can also donate online using the button on the top right of this page.
Sponsors will receive public acknowledgment attached to their school on the ARDC website, eNewsletter, social media accounts and press release.
Questions? Call (540) 221 6635.