DENTAL ACCESS PROGRAM (DAP)

The Traverse Health Clinic has a Dental Access Program (DAP).  The DAP is a non-profit dental referral program dedicated to serving adults in 3 counties and children in 5 counties.  The DAP Program has three areas of outreach to increase awareness of oral health care services for underserved in our community.

**Due to the high demand for dental services at this time, we cannot accept any new patients for non-emergency dental services.   Services are currently limited to Emergency Services only, and require making an appointment with our dental staff.  Because we have so many CHAP clientele needing services, our next enrollment for new people will be in October 2010 and people may call back at that time.**

DENTAL WALK-IN CLINIC

The adults in Benzie, Grand Traverse, and Leelanau counties are served through Dental Walk-In Clinics held at the Traverse Health Clinic.  Patients must be actively enrolled in the CHAP program to be seen at the clinic .  Patients are assessed as to their individual dental needs and referred to partnering dentists for treatment in the community.  ** The next dental walk-in clinic will be in October 2010.**

TRAVERSE BAY GIVE KIDS A SMILE PROGRAM

“Oral health is integral to overall health.  Untreated oral disease is not just painful; it affects virtually every aspect of a child’s physiological, emotional and social development.  Kids with untreated dental decay can’t eat or sleep properly; they can’t concentrate in school; they can’t smile”.

-U.S. Surgeon General

We have partnered with Traverse Bay Area Intermediate School District to provide classroom dental education and oral screenings to children in Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, and Leelanau.  Parents give permission for their child to receive a basic dental screening and a Dental Report Card and Parent Resource Letter is sent home. Every student receives a toothbrush kit containing toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss.

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

We have reached out to engage and collaborate with the community, businesses, and corporations who are also interested in improving oral health.  We have conducted events at local health departments, charitable groups, and theaters in our community.

For more information about oral health:

If you have any questions about the Dental Access Program, please feel free to contact our staff:

Rene Louchart, R.D.H., B.S.
Dental Health Director
(231) 935-0799, ext. 19

Sue Adkins

Dental Access Program Assistant

(231) 935-0799, ext. 18