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LBJ dental team makes annual school visits

Thursday, youngsters at Manumalo Academy received much needed fillings and fissure sealant, thanks to Dr. Noreen Takunala and her team of dental assistants: Perelini Telesa, Tapu Matamua, and Jordan Levu. [photo: BC]
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The LBJ Medical Center's Dental School Team is conducting their annual visits to all local schools, to ensure that the little ones are in tiptop shape, as far as oral health.

The school visits are an annual event, targeting young children in 2nd and 5th grade at all local public and private schools.

Children in the Early Childhood Education (ECE) centers across the island, as well as various daycare centers also receive the free service.

According to Levu, the school visits are usually conducted before youngsters are sent home for summer break. He said some of the common problems they encounter include swelling, infections, and baby teeth that don't fall off easily.

Levu told Samoa News yesterday that their outreach includes an overall check-up of the entire school, during which all students are educated on proper oral hygiene, like how to brush their teeth correctly, and why it is important.

This year, the private schools are being served first and the public schools will follow.

A permission slip for each student is sent home to parents and guardians, announcing the service.

Participation is strictly voluntary but some parents say the program is 'a blessing in disguise' for their kids, not only because it is free of charge, but because it saves them from having to wait in the long lines at the dental clinic.

In addition, services like fissure sealant and fillings can save the child from a painful toothache and cavities.