ACF Region 4 Spotlights the Oral Health of Children

Telamon Corporation transports children to their routine dental appointments.By Dr. Donna D. Parrish, Presidential Management Fellow, Immediate Office of the Regional Administrator

Research shows that tooth decay is the most common childhood disease. It also shows that Black and Hispanic children and families with lower incomes have more decay. In July, Region 4 reached out to Telamon Corporation, an organization that provides services to farmworkers and their families, to share information on Oral Health Month. I was allowed to hold a special event at Head Start Centers in Lyons, Georgia and Glennville, Georgia to provide resources on Oral Health. This outreach opportunity allowed me to conduct a site visit while promoting and supporting children in the rural community.

This visit helped to raise awareness about the importance of maintaining a healthy smile. During their story time, I read a story about the importance of brushing their teeth. Often the families, move from state to state to help produce crops on a seasonal basis and live in temporary homes during employment. 

To increase the parent’s knowledge, Center Director Paulette Burnside and Family Service Specialist Nieves C. Blocker ensure they partner with Colgate to maintain a supply of toothbrushes for the children.  During their Family Days, they provide toothbrushes as door prizes to encourage the parents to continue to offer dental care to the children at home.  Most parents are probably concerned about their child’s dental care, but due to the type of employment it is difficult for them to request a day off. Farmworkers and their families have unique health challenges that result in health disparities.  Some of the challenges they face are:

• Inadequate housing
• No insurance
• Language barriers
• Continuity of care

I selected this activity due to managing the Latino initiative and to cure my curiosity about the Latino population, whom we seem to forget.  Most people want to believe that all crops are not processed by machinery; however the reality is that some are process by hand. Farmworkers are known as the invisible population, they typically reside in rural communities.  

Before my arrival, I reviewed Telamon’s 2013-2014 Performance Indicator Report, July 28, 2015. The results were astonishing. Telamon identified that parents needed additional assistance and they filled the gap to ensure the children in their care have adequate dental care.    Telamon Corporation displays their commitment of Oral Health by transporting the children to their routine dental appointments. They act as “hands and feet” for the parents to ensure the children dental needs are met on a routine basis. Telamon does not have to offer the transportation service to ensure children receive routine dental care, but they recognized the parent’s complex schedule and offer this service to improve the child’s care.  Telamon “Gets a Star” on Region 4's Blog of Program Spotlight for ensuring that all of their children in their care receive routine dental care.