Many people do not have access to dental care for a variety of reasons. It may be that they don’t have dental insurance, there are not any dental providers nearby that accept the dental insurance they do have, there may be lack of transportation to appointments, they may not physically be able to get to a dental office or are struggling with finances. I am a Registered Dental Hygienist residing and working in Central Massachusetts. I have spent the last 16 years working in private dental offices and in a school-based dental program. Recently, I became qualified to be considered a Public Health Dental Hygienist and have developed “The Traveling Toothfairy”, with the help of a grant given by MassHealth, to increase the number of MassHealth eligible children that are receiving dental services. This grant along with recent changes to Massachusetts Dental Rules and Regulations has allowed me to be able to offer preventive dental services, using portable dental equipment, in public health settings or programs. These include, but are not limited to, residences of the homebound, schools, Head Start programs, day care centers, nursing and long-term care facilities, clinics, health centers, medical facilities, treatment facilities and to work with local, state and federal public health programs. The goal of “The Traveling Toothfairy” is to provide preventive dental services to children and adults that are not currently under the regular care of a dental office and to assist patients to find a dental office that they can visit regularly or when needed. “The Traveling Toothfairy” provides “On-Site Oral Healthcare” at any public health setting or program, using portable dental equipment as allowed by the Board Of Registration In Dentistry. All equipment is maintained according to CDC Guidelines and OSHA Regulations. Whenever possible, disposable supplies are utilized. Services provided include: dental screenings (including blood pressure and oral cancer screening), referrals when additional treatment by a dentist is indicated, assistance in finding a dental office for treatment, dental cleanings (including full and partial dentures), fluoride varnish treatments, dental sealants, as well as dental education. These services are at no cost to the hosting facility or program. Education and screenings are always free. For other services, I am able to accept MassHealth and Commonwealth Care, the state’s subsidized health insurance and for those with a different insurance or no insurance, direct payment is available. Families may be eligible for services at a reduced fee or no fee, depending on household income and family size. Feel free to call or email me at anytime with any questions.

Sincerely,

Marcy E Foreman, RDH, BS The Traveling Toothfairy, thetravelingtoothfairy@comcast.net. 508-596-3506

Note: The Traveling Toothfairy will be coming to both Northwest Child Development Centers. Information will be posted on our web site.

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