GISU is participating in the 802 Smiles Network, which promotes dental health programs in schools throughout Vermont. This means your child is eligible for a free dental screening and may be eligible to receive preventive dental services at no cost to you. Please note: if your child already has an established dental home, we encourage you to continue receiving care there, rather than through the school; the 802 Smiles dental hygienist will prioritize children who do not currently have a dental home.
GISU’s 802 Smiles registered dental hygienist can provide the following free services:
❖ Dental Screening (simplified dental check-up)
❖ Fluoride Varnish (brush-on liquid that can help prevent cavities)
❖ Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) (brush-on combination of silver and fluoride that can help
stop cavities from getting bigger)
❖Dental Sealants (protective coating placed on the chewing surfaces of back teeth to prevent
cavities)
If you choose to participate, after your child is seen the dental hygienist will send you a follow-up
letter explaining the services provided to your child and whether additional treatment is recommended. The hygienist can also help connect you to a dental professional who can provide ongoing dental care for your child (a “dental home”) if you don’t have one.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact - Kristie Barber - GISU District Nurse
The 802 Smiles Program will be starting soon! If you are interested please complete this
Google form: A consent packet will be sent to those interested once we have a start date.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfqmyimQlW_qHLMAFUr79fDORtphFqBsrXaRwajaZpZ_rKa0w/viewform
The 802 Smiles Network is a partnership between the school community, dental professionals, the Agency of Education, and the Vermont Department of Health. The goal is to improve the oral health of all Vermont kids.
To learn more about oral/dental health and why it is important for everyone, check out the
Vermont Department of Health’s Oral Health Program webpage:
https://www.healthvermont.gov/wellness/oral-health