Program helps keep Newark Children Cavity Free

Jayden Santos smiles after his visit to the RSDM pediatric clinic.

Rutgers School of Dental Medicine student Charmy Patel described the process this way to her second-grade patient: "Have you ever had your nails done? It's sort of like that. We paint the sealants on your teeth with a brush.''

Pupils from University Heights Charter School were among 150 Newark school children who got a check up, tooth cleaning and dental sealants to help prevent cavities last month at RSDM's Brunsden-Villa Pediatric Center. The cavity-preventing sealants were a gift from Oral Health America, along with $25,000 and supplies of fluoride varnish. As part of the organization's Smiles Across America program, the gift could eventually enable up to 14 city schools to participate. Oral Health America's mission is to connect communities with resources to increase access to care, in addition to advocacy for all Americans, especially the most vulnerable.

There is a great need among Newark children for oral healthcare, according to school nurse Laurie Rufolo. "I see so many children in pain. There's a delay in getting care and they suffer needlessly,'' she said. "It's my goal that no child at our school should experience dental pain.''

RSDM students Evan Ridge, left, and Charmy Patel, right, treat patient Equality Arnold. RSDM students Evan Ridge, left, and Charmy Patel, right, treat patient Equality Arnold.

Sealants are made of clear plastic-based materials normally applied to the back teeth that prevent cavities by covering grooves and pits in the tooth surface, where most caries are formed. For several months the pediatric department has been working with Newark schools to implement the program. Rufolo said RSDM's preventive treatment, and the the dental school's educational outreach at University Heights, have been invaluable. "Rutgers is our community partner in helping take care of our children's health and well-being,'' she said.

Reclining in a chair at the clinic, Jayden Santos, a pupil at University Heights, confirmed that his check-up and sealant application were pain free.

Equality Arnold, 7, remembered the lessons she had learned about taking care of her teeth. "You have to brush them day and night,'' she volunteered.

She also knew what sealants were for.  To keep her teeth healthy, she said. "And so you can have a pretty smile.''