Just for Grins Mobile Dental Clinic Rolls into Walton County (CVHN)

[Teresa]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Children’s Volunteer Health Network
October 22, 2008 Dr. Mary Konovsky (850) 622-3200


Just for Grins Mobile Dental Clinic Rolls into Walton County

“It's hard to believe that the Children’s Volunteer Health Network Just for Grins mobile dental clinic has completed its second school” said Denise Johnston, Program Manager. The CVHN mobile dental clinic began visiting schools on September 12 and spent a great 6 days at Bay Elementary in Point Washington and 8 days at Butler Elementary in Santa Rosa Beach. At these schools, the Just for Grins Clinic had Dr. Bob Ward and Dr. Jim Nabors as the volunteer dentists. The Just for Grins staff saw a total of 48 children at Bay elementary and 78 children at Butler Elementary. The volunteer dentists conducted exams and x-rays on Fridays and Mondays. Kelly Taylor and Denise, the Just for Grins hygienists, did cleanings, fluoride treatments and sealants Tuesdays through Thursdays. State Representative Marti Coley visited the Just for Grins program on Friday September 26th while it was at Butler Elementary. The staff was happy to see her and introduce her to the Just for Grins preventive dental program. Denise told her that “the children are wonderful and so appreciative. A few are a little apprehensive at first, but it doesn't take long until they are comfortable and showing off their bright shiny smiles to everyone.”

The Just for Grins mobile dental clinic has moved on to Maude Saunders Elementary School in DeFuniak Springs where it will see almost 300 children. Kids pre-K through 3rd grade who are on the federal free or reduced lunch program are eligible to be seen on Just for Grins. Dr. Nate Hall, Dr. Gary Hall, Dr. Kelly LeBeau, Dr. Jim Nabors and Dr. Sonny Davis are the dentists volunteering for the month of October. Kelly Taylor and Denise Johnston report that “The children at Maude Saunders are great. We could write a book with all the cute and funny statements and questions the children have. "Where do you sleep?" "Do ya"ll live on this bus?" "This is a really cool dental camper!" We were taking x-rays on one little boy and he said "I think you touched my uvula." We told him that he was very smart and asked him where he learned that. He said that he saw it on a cartoon and he remembered it. He said "Oh yah and it looks like a punching bag!!" These are just a few of the things that the staff hygienists and volunteer dentists hear daily. Never a dull moment!

The Just for Grins mobile dental clinic is a 34’ Class A motor home that has been refurbished as a 2-operatory mobile dental clinic. The staff of Children’s Volunteer Health Network thanks all that had a part in making this dream a reality. From the volunteers that staff our fundraisers to the dental supply companies that make donations to the foundations who have supported the healthcare efforts of CVHN and to all in this generous county, the Just for Grins program would not be able to serve local children without your support. “I am so thankful to be a part of this wonderful opportunity to take care of these great kids,” is the sentiment most often heard from the Just for Grins staff.

CVHN is a faith-based, 501(c)3 organization that seeks to enhance the lives of uninsured and underinsured school aged children by facilitating free immediate access to medical, dental and mental health care. If you would like more information about the Just for Grins mobile dental clinic or Children’s Volunteer Health Network, Inc. visit our website at www.cvhnkids.org or call us at (850) 622-3200,