One of our most successful relationships is with the Nursing Department of Sullivan County Community College. Since 2001, the nursing students have been teaching PRASAD CDHP’s Dental Health Education component to Sullivan County’s elementary schools and PRASAD has been providing the teaching materials and toothbrushes for all the children.

Nursing students, (l to r) Zoraida Castillo, Arun Raj, Diane Lynker, Clinical Instructor Nancy Fraley and students Erin Roberts, Dana Rinaldi, Erin Calkin, Amanda Parker and Noelle Rausch, took time out from schoolwork to talk about their experience.

The nurses read a children’s story of that first visit to the dentist, and use oversized props so children get hands-on lesson on how to brush properly. Dana said the children thoroughly enjoyed hearing the story, read from a giant book, and practicing with the huge toothbrush and giant teeth. It’s always a favorite part of the lesson.

Most importantly, every child gets a toothbrush.

Amanda was touched at how excited the children were to receive toothbrushes. Nancy Fraley has seen this too many times; many children do not have their own toothbrushes, because their families simply cannot afford them.

The nurses did notice that the children who were having their second dental class remembered quite a bit from last year and were eager to trot out the information. Those who are PRASAD CDHP patients were the best informed about dental health care. “The repetitive information seemed welcome; (the kids) didn’t mind the do-over,” said Noelle. “I loved it!” she added.

And, so did the children. “There were little hands popping up everywhere,” Diane said. She added, “We really need this program.”

In all, the partnership between PRASAD CDHP and SCCC reached 411 children at four locations in Fallsburg, Liberty, Monticello and Woodbourne, this year. “The teachers at all locations were very welcoming and supportive,” said Nancy Fraley.

In this rural and financially stressed county, collaborations like this add substantially to limited community resources. They create a synergy that benefits all participants and produce outcomes that are more positive. “We could not be more grateful to members of the SCCC Nursing Program for their valuable contribution to PRASAD CDHP’s efforts,” said Dr. Escarra, the Program Administrator.

When the dentist walked into the exam room, Joseph had already put
himself in the dental chair. The conversation went like this:
Dentist:“You have a cavity that needs filling.”
Joseph: “You’re not going to pull the tooth?”
Dentist: “No, Just a filling.” She proceeds to apply a numbing gel to the area.
Joseph: “What’s that, the numbing stuff? Bubblegum again?”
Dentist: “No, it’s banana flavor this time.”

And that’s how it was for the entire visit: “What’s that?” “Can I do it?”
“What comes next?” And finally, “Can I have the mirror so I can see what
you did?”

When Joseph’s visit was over, he headed to the reception area, eagerly
made his next appointment and left the clinic looking thoroughly pleased
with himself.

At PRASAD CDHP, we appreciate having patients who take such positive
interest in their dental health care and, having dentists who want to
nurture that interest. They are so patient as they help children to explore,
learn and become comfortable with their dental experiences!

Monticello, NY—On July 21, PRASAD Children’s Dental Health Program (PRASAD CDHP) inaugurated a new mobile dental clinic at the Sullivan County Government Center in Monticello, NY!

More than 75 well-wishers attended, including U.S. Congressman Maurice Hinchey’s (D-Hurley) District Representative, Chris White, NY State Senator John Bonacic (R/C/I Mt. Hope) and Sullivan County legislators.

We are most grateful to our donors, and for the grants we received through U.S. Congressman Maurice Hinchey (D-Hurley) and the Dyson Foundation, a philanthropic organization. Your support made the new clinic a reality.

“PRASAD’s new mobile dental clinic is going to ensure that thousands of Sullivan County children have access to the dental health care they need and otherwise might not receive,” said Hinchey, on his website.

Since 1996, PRASAD CDHP has relied on a unique mobile dental clinic to serve more than 62,381 children, providing more than 170,674 procedures, at over 17 different community sites in rural Sullivan and Ulster counties.

“Our goal in the coming years is to expand our program by implementing the PRASAD CDHP Advancement Project. Through this project, we plan to make consistent dental care accessible to many more children.

The new mobile clinic is the most essential component of this Project; however, it does have operating expenses; we invite you to support our cause of delivering “Miles for Smiles” to children in need by making a donation today,” said Program Administrator, Dr. Cecilia Escarra.