It’s not uncommon to see smiling faces at The Greater Dayton School.
But thanks to a grant from the Delta Dental Foundation, those smiles will be decidedly more healthy going forward.
GDS, Ohio’s first private non-religious school for under-resourced students, recently opened a brand-new state-of-the-art dental suite within the Connor Wellness Center. The facility will be staffed by Equitas Health and will serve students, their younger siblings and, eventually, the school’s alumni. Previously, the school provided dental services via a mobile unit that visited the school twice a year.
“Dental health is so important in a model like ours, which serves the whole child,” said founding principal A.J. Stich. “This is a game-changer for our students.”
A dentist and hygienist will be on-site twice a week – conducting regular exams, x-rays, cleanings, fillings and other services. All appointments and follow-ups are scheduled by GDS staff. The on-site dental care adds to the vast array of services offered at the Connor Wellness Center, including universal screenings, pediatric care, vaccinations, mental health therapy, vision care, occupational therapy and speech pathology.
The $211,000 grant from the Delta Dental Foundation allowed for three dental chairs and x-ray equipment. The first appointments are being scheduled for October.