ACAP dental effort nets ‘Smiles’ grant
PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — Aroostook County Action Program (ACAP) has received a $10,000 grant award from Oral Health America’s Smiles Across America Program.
“This funding will primarily allow us to expand our fluoride varnish program in public schools,” explained Sue Powers, ACAP family services senior manager. “In addition, we will be able to help increase the number of children who have a permanent dental home.”
ACAP has been the provider of oral health coordination and outreach services and the school-based sealant program in Aroostook County for 30 years. Delivery of services is primarily provided by an oral health community education specialist and dental hygienist. Each year they provide prevention services through education and direct service delivery to approximately 2,500 children from birth to age 18.
“Oral Health America is dedicated to supporting ACAP in providing fluoride varnish to Aroostook County public schools and increase access to preventative oral health care,” said OHA President and CEO Beth Truett. “We applaud ACAP’s dedication to increase the number of children in need with a permanent dental home.”
Since 2004, Smiles Across America has supported oral disease prevention services in school-based or school-linked settings for children who are uninsured and underserved due to issues of poverty.
