Hager Preschool had a local pediatric dentist screen their students as part of an annual partnership Thursday morning to ensure the students are practicing healthy hygiene habits.
Hager Principal Sherry Baber said the annual event is important because it helps the students get the screening done before they turn 5 years old, which is often when pediatric dentists stop seeing children.
“It is very important for us to provide this dental care for our children because a lot of times parents don’t understand the importance of protecting and maintaining baby teeth because they think they’re gonna lose them,” Baber said.
With the free service, Baber said Dr. Patrick Gilbert enjoys helping the children because they are often more comfortable at Hager than they would be in the office. That’s in part due to the staff and the familiarity of the location.
After being screened, the students get a bag with floss, a toothbrush and other things to take their healthy practices home with them.
Another part of the partnership is that Hager will take students to a follow-up screening where they encourage parents to go along with the staff — with the permission of the guardian.
“They think that’s a very special time because staff is taking them and they choose one or two children at a time,” Baber said. “They think that’s pretty awesome that they get to have that special treat.”
