A nearly perfect day for golf was enjoyed by all at Owl’s Nest Resort and Golf Club in support of Speare Memorial Hospital’s community Dental Health Program.

“Each year, more than 1,500 local children and at-risk pregnant women have access to oral health care and education through the Dental Health Program,” says Michelle McEwen, Hospital President & CEO. “The golf tournament is our signature fundraising event, and more than $27,000 was raised this year through the generosity of our tournament sponsors, golfers and donors.”  

The Dental Health Program was established in 1998 in response to growing concerns of the local school nurses about the unmet dental health needs of area school children. Today, the Program provides free dental screenings, services and education to children enrolled at School Administrative Unit 48, and the Ashland, Lin-Wood and Warren School Districts.

“We provide dental screenings and fluoride varnish applications free of charge, and cleanings and sealants are offered on a sliding fee scale,” says Ruth Doane, the program’s Dental Hygienist. She goes on to say, “No one is ever denied services because of their inability to pay. That’s just one reason why this program is so valuable.”

Dental services are also offered to infants and to at-risk pregnant women through monthly clinics at Plymouth Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, Plymouth OB/GYN, and the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program.

More than 20 area dental practices, including Golf Classic Sponsor Plymouth General Dentistry, currently partner with the Dental Health Program to provide care to those referred from the program with dental concerns. Support is also provided through the Dental Health Program to families who need financial help, referrals to Medicaid, and assistance with overcoming other dental care barriers.