Early Smiles Sacramento to Honor School Health Staff at Its Second Annual “Heroes in Health Services” Reception

SACRAMENTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Early Smiles Sacramento, a school-based oral health screening initiative developed by the Center for Oral Health, is proud to announce the hosting of its second annual Heroes in Health Services Reception. This prestigious event is dedicated to recognizing the unwavering commitment and resilience of school health personnel throughout Sacramento County.

Tiffany Turner, Chief Operating Officer of the Center for Oral Health, expressed her enthusiasm about the upcoming event, stating, "We are thrilled to honor the remarkable efforts of school health services staff. Their pivotal role in the success of the Early Smiles Sacramento program, coupled with their extraordinary contributions to safeguarding the health and safety of their students, deserves our highest gratitude!"

The event underscores the vital role that school health services staff have played not only in maintaining student health post the COVID-19 pandemic, but also in addressing the increasing challenges of student health as it pertains to academic performance. Kevin Scott, Chief Executive Officer of the Center for Oral Health, remarked, "Our goal is to express our profound gratitude for the tireless efforts of these dedicated professionals in nurturing the well-being of Sacramento County's youth."

Since its inception in 2016, Early Smiles Sacramento, in collaboration with three Dental Managed Care (DMC) Plans – Access Dental, Inc., Health Net of California, Inc., and LIBERTY Dental Plan of California, Inc., has made significant advancements in promoting oral health education and preventative care throughout Sacramento County. The program offers dental screenings, fluoride varnish applications, and educational services to students across 16 school districts, encompassing preschools and charter school systems, demonstrating substantial progress in its mission.

Over the course of eight years, the dedicated team at Early Smiles Sacramento has conducted over 100,000 dental screenings. Annually, the team engages in more than 50 community events, reaching over 90,000 students and families with vital information about the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene, regardless of a family’s ability to pay for such services. This initiative underscores the program's dedication to ensuring accessible and comprehensive oral health care for all children in Sacramento County.

Event Details:

The Early Smiles Sacramento Heroes in Health Services Reception is scheduled for Thursday, April 4, 2024, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. The celebration will take place in the luxurious Lexus Lounge at the Golden 1 Center, offering an evening of appreciation and recognition for our health heroes.

Join us in celebrating the extraordinary contributions of Sacramento County’s school health services staff. Their dedication and hard work have been instrumental in fostering a healthier, happier community!