Free dental checks for Shannon children during school holidays popular

18/08/2011 | Free Dental Checks Popular

MidCentral Health’s first foray into offering free dental care during school holidays for pre-school and school age children up to 17 years at Shannon last month proved very popular.

Two dental therapists used a mobile clinic for the first week of the holidays based in the Shannon School grounds, and one therapist was available for the week finishing on 29 July.
Altogether 164 patients were seen there, 78 had their treatments finished, while a further 86 children require a revisit.

At the same time 62 patients were seen by the one dental therapist in the Horowhenua Health Centre’s new oral health unit. Of those, 39 had their treatment finished, and a further 21 will need another visit. In all, 226 patients were seen, 117 had their treatments finished, and 107 need a return visit.

Child and Adolescent Oral Health Service Clinical Coordinator Yvonne Murphy said the attendances at both centres were fantastic. “It was great to see so many young people, supported by their parents, give up some of their holidays to have their teeth checked.

“I’d like to thank the people of Shannon and surrounding districts for the support we received during the fortnight.”

Contact: Communications Unit (06) 350-8945