Norwalk Considers Continuing School-Based Dental Care

NORWALK, Conn. – Norwalk students will likely continue to receive low-cost dental care in the city’s schools under a program expected to be renewed by the Board of Education.

Norwalk school students are expected to continue receiving low-cost dental care through the districts school-based program with Community Health Center, Inc.
Photo Credit: *Flickr user Francis Bourgouin*

by Alfred Branch

03/06/2013 2:00 a.m.

The city’s In-School Dental Health Program served more than 1,100 students in 2010, the most recent data available, and is administered by the Community Health Center Inc. on Day Street. CHC brings dental equipment to each of Norwalk’s 19 public schools and hygienists provide cleanings and other dental services in the schools twice a year.

The program does not cost the school district any money, said Grace Vetter, director of health services for the school system. The state’s HUSKY insurance initiative and other insurance companies are billed for the services, or parents pay a small fee.

“No money changes hands between the school system and CHC,” said Vetter. The program has been a part of the school system since 2007.

The Board of Education briefly discussed the program during a meeting Tuesday night, and it is expected to vote on renewing the contract at its next meeting.

“It’s a great service for the kids, my kids have used it,” said board member Sue Haynie.

“It provides oral health to many students who wouldn’t always have it,” Vetter added.

Click here to follow Daily Voice Norwalk and receive free news updates.