By Ashley White
Howard University News Service
|
Dental examinations can help reduce serious health issues. (Courtesy Photo)
|
(April 21, 2009) - It was two years ago that a 12-year-old Prince George’s County boy shocked the Washington-area community and shamed the dental profession.
His name was Diamonte Driver. He died of infection from a decayed tooth that spread to his brain because his mother couldn’t get dental care for him.
Dr. Leslie Lawrence is director of Howard University College of Dentistry’s Department of Pediatric Dentistry, and she and her colleague’s have vowed to never have another such an incident happen again, at least not on their watch.
Consequently, the dental school is opening an evening clinic, called the United Health Community Health Dental Program, this spring to provide dental care for the underserved children of the District.
“The United Health Foundation Community Health Dental Program is not just another program; it is an investment,” Lawrence said. “This was all put into place so those families who traditionally fall through the cracks can have a place to bring their children in the evenings.
“The hope is that by providing quality oral health care for children who traditionally have a difficult time receiving care, we can make sure they receive the care they need. “
Dr. Nicole Ray is a dentist in private practice on Georgia Avenue not far north of Howard University. She applauds the school’s effort.
“Having a night clinic encourages parents to have their children’s oral health care taken care of,” Ray said. “Most times parents are weary of taking their children out of school or taking off of work to take their children to get the care they need.
“Having later hours is a tremendous convenience for parents.”
Raynia Prestwood a mother of three, ages 10, 2 and 1, and she and her husband see the advantages of an evening clinic, she said.
“My husband and I have nine-to-five jobs and find it difficult to take off of work to get care for our children,” she said. “An evening clinic is a great asset, because it allows us busy parents to have a place to take our children after hours where they can receive the same quality care as they would during regular business hours.”