STEP Head Start Mobile Dentist statistics for program year 2024-2025
Fall of 2024
STEP Head Start had 4 visit dates for Mobile Dentist: October 23 & 24 and November 6 & 7.
- We saw 169 children for exams, cleaning, fluorides, and some x-rays.
- Of those 169 children, 59 children needed treatment of about 181 cavities.
Spring of 2025
STEP Head Start had 3 visit dates for Mobile Dentist: April 23 & 24 and May 7th.
- We saw 167 children for exams, cleanings, fluorides, and some x-rays.
- Of those 167 children, 59* children needed treatment of about 227 cavities.
Winter 2024 SDF
14 children were treated for restorative options to stop the progression of tooth decay.
Spring 2025 SDF: we have 16 possible children scheduled for restorative options to stop the progression of tooth decay.
SDF stands for Silver Diamine Fluoride. It's a liquid solution used to treat and prevent cavities, and it's also used to reduce tooth sensitivity. SDF is a non-invasive treatment option that helps stop the progression of tooth decay without the need for drilling or fillings.
* Even though we had the same number, 59 children needing treatment in the Fall & Spring, only 24 of those children are the same ones in the Fall & Spring.
Of those 24 children, 8 children are having the SDF reapplied in May.
4 children of the 59 children needing treatment have already been seen by a pediatric dentist thanks to our Family Advocates and staff.
STEP Head Start began their mobile dentist program in 2009 with the Smiles Mobile Dentist out of Harrisburg and in 2018 began pilot program for the River Valley Mobile Dentist program and have stayed with them ever since. Being with River Valley Health gives our families a local Dental Home that they can go to any time they have oral health concerns, not only for their children but for themselves as well.
