Mellie Burns (also known as the Tooth Fairy), program manager Children’s Dental, is shown presenting classroom education at Dora Reed Childcare Center. (EBCI Health & Medical photo)
Program description
The Children’s Dental Program is committed to enhancing the lives of children by reducing and or eliminating dental decay.
The program is designed to reduce barriers to care by providing prevention and educational services to children in familiar settings.
IN SCHOOLS
The Public Health Dental Hygienist works with the schools and daycare/headstart centers to provide dental screenings, fluoride varnish applications and classroom dental health education in the school setting. Offering these services on-site allows the students to have a dental experience in a non-intimidating environment. The goal is to build trust and confidence so the students will be more comfortable when they access the dental clinic for other services.
WORK & COMMUNITY
Routine dental hygiene services are provided at the three CIHA dental clinics by the Public Health Dental Hygienist. Participation in local health fairs and community club meetings can also be arranged.
Services provided:
• On-Site Dental Screenings/Referral and follow-up
• On-Site Fluoride Varnish Applications
• On-Site Dental Sealant Clinic (Cherokee Elementary School)
• Classroom Education
• WIC Prenatal Education
• Clinical Dental Hygiene Services
• Referral for orthodontic (braces) program
Contact person
Mellie K. Burns, RDH
Program Manager, Children’s Dental
Office Phone: (828)554-6197
Email: mburns@nc-cherokee.com
Location -where is service provided
• Physical Address:
Health and Medical Administration Building, 43 John Crowe Hill, Cherokee, NC 28719
• Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 666, Cherokee, NC 28719
• Website:
https://www.cherokee-hmd.com/childrens-dental /index.html
Hours of services
Monday – Friday
7:45am – 4:30pm
(Note: Hours of operation can vary due to program activities, etc.)
Eligibility requirements
On-site services are offered to all students enrolled in Cherokee Elementary School and daycare/head start centers on the Qualla Boundary.
Orthodontic Services are for EBCI tribal members ages 6-17.
– EBCI Health & Medical
