NASHUA, NH – Students in from kindergarten through grade 8 in the Gate City will once again have access to no-cost dental care this school year, thanks to the Sealing Smiles Across NH program. Launched in the 2023-2024 school year, the program provides a broad range of evidence-based dental care and education in participating schools, taking care of kids in need on school grounds.
The program is administered by Traveling Tooth Fairies, a newly formed non-profit operated by Certified Public Health Dental Hygienists Myra Nikitas and Mary Duquette. The duo recently gathered with local and state leaders to celebrate the success of the first year of the program and to kick off the new school year.
Sealing Smiles Across NH services are based on clinically proven best practices and include oral health screenings, guided tooth brushing, dental sealants, protective restorations, fluoride varnish application, self-care education, and referrals to a dentist if needed. This program is intended to complement the care children receive from their dental providers, not replace their regular dental home. It also aims to help families find a dentist if needed.
“Our goal is to reduce barriers to care,” said Nikitas. “Untreated chronic dental issues in children not only pose significant health risks but also impairs their ability to learn and thrive in school.” She added that meeting the children where they are during the school day helps reduce anxiety, especially among younger kids.
The celebratory event featured remarks from elected officials, public health experts, and project funders. Among the major supporters is Northeast Delta Dental, whose charitable foundation donates over 1.3 million dollars each year to non-profits across New Hampshire, Maine, and Vermont. Tom Raffio, President, and CEO of Northeast Delta Dental was among the speakers and noted of Nikitas and Duquette: “You are literally the boots on the ground and doing amazing work. We’re thrilled to support you.”
NH State Senator Cindy Rosenwald, who has seen the program up close during visits to area schools, remarked, “Of all of the public health programs I’ve been part of this is the most significant.”
Duquette and Nikitas shared that in the first year of the program, they treated over 800 children throughout the Nashua schools, and they have already seen over 150 students this school year. All students were given consent forms to bring home to their parents or guardians to review and sign. Once signed, students can participate in the program. Along with evidence-based treatments and oral health care instructions, students receive a take-home kit containing a toothbrush, toothpaste, and dental floss. While seemingly a small step, an interaction Nikitas had with a student last year underscored the value of the take-home kits. As she was treating a student, she learned that the child was sharing a single toothbrush with a sibling. “That really brought home the need,” she said.
The Sealing Smiles Across NH program is completely mobile, including the dental exam chairs. Duquette and Nikitas bring their equipment to each school and set up a mobile office for the day. They work closely with school nurses and others to minimize the student’s time out of the classroom – a typical appointment takes 15-20 minutes. A report is shared with the student’s parents or guardians, along with advice on referrals to a dental office. Students can access the program twice a year.
According to Nikitas, “The support and enthusiasm for the program from the city, state, and others have been incredible.” In addition to the Northeast Delta Dental Foundation, the program also receives support from the NH Department of Health and Human Services, the City of Nashua, and the Nashua Lions Club. Ed Lecius, a longtime member of the Lions Club, shared that the club was proud to support the effort and looked forward to providing future support down the road.
“A healthy smile is a vital part of a child’s health and their ability to function in school,” said Duquette. “Healthy teeth and gums play a key role in eating, speaking, and communicating.”
All Nashua students in grades Kindergarten through 8th are eligible for the program. To learn more, please contact Nikitas at Myra@travelingtoothfairies.org or Duquette at Mary@travelingtoothfairies.org.
Chris Dugan is a contributor to the Ink Link with his Vital Signs column. You can reach him at duganchris230@gmail.com.