Sacred Heart Press Box

The American Dental Association has chosen Sacred Heart Health System’s Pediatric Dental Clinic as winner of the Meritorious 2007 Community Dentistry Award.

The competitive national award is recognition of a non-profit organization that has improved oral health in the local community. The Pediatric Dental Clinic was one of only three community dental programs in the United States to win a Meritorious award.

As part of the award, the American Dental Association granted $2,500 to the Sacred Heart Foundation for use at the dental clinic.

“Sacred Heart and our dental clinic staff are thrilled to receive this prestigious award,” said Dr. Carl Wright, the clinic’s director and dentist who has developed and expanded the clinic’s programs during the past seven years. “We are grateful to be recognized for the clinic's work in providing care to needy children who otherwise would not be able to receive quality dental care.”

The Dental Clinic for children was established by Sacred Heart in 1997 with the help of the late Dr. Lynn F. Johnston, who served as the clinic’s first dentist, and Cynthia Rivers, nurse manager of Sacred Heart’s Pediatric Care Center. The clinic is a partnership between Sacred Heart Health System and the Florida Department of Health, Escambia County Health Department.

The facility has a staff of 13 people and is funded by the Escambia County Health Department along with donations received by the Sacred Heart Foundation. Support also is provided by several local dentists who donate their time and services to clinic patients.

Dr. Dan Henry of Pensacola, immediate past president of the Florida Dental Association, offered his congratulations to Dr. Wright and several local dentists who donate time and services to help the clinic’s patients. “Our profession is fortunate to have caring dentists such as you working tirelessly and often without recognition, for the benefit of those who can not help themselves. You and the volunteers at the Lynn F Johnson Pediatric Dental Clinic are servants of the highest caliber.”

The Dental Clinic aims to children from low-income families, especially those who qualify for Medicaid or have no insurance. Located in the Escambia County Health Department on Old Palafox Road in the Ensley area, the Clinic sees more than 6,000 patient visits each year.

It provides preventive services such as cleaning, x-rays and exams, as well as restorative services such as fillings, extractions, crowns and partial dentures. In addition, the Dental Clinic focuses on community education, with a special focus on preventing tooth decay in children and encouraging healthy dental and eating habits. A dental hygienist visits elementary schools, talks to groups of new mothers, and speaks to other parent groups to spread this message of prevention.

For more information about the clinic’s services, please contact Anna Church at 494-7150.

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Labels: Awards, Dentist, Dentistry, Pediatric Dental Clinic

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Pediatric Dental Clinic Wins Community Dentistry Award