This past school year nearly 2,000 New Haven students received vital dental care through Fair Haven Community Health Care’s school dental program. This week, FHCHC was awarded a $71,139 capital grant from CHEFA (Connecticut Health & Educational Facilities Authority), to expand our school-based dental services to reach many more students in need.

Typically school-aged children without sealants have significantly more molar cavities than those with sealants. This grant will allow us to expand dental program to reach more students, by offering appointments for sealants, and other preventative care  during school hours (a huge benefit to working parents), and at no cost to families.

“Good oral health in children is critical to their overall wellness, not only now, but throughout their lives,” says Dr. Suzanne Lagarde, CEO of FHCHC. “We are thrilled that CHEFA recognizes the vital role dental health plays in our students’ well being.”

FHCHC Dental Director Dr. Zach Brian concurs. “This grant is instrumentally important in improving dental health in our community. The link between oral and systemic health is clear, which makes preventive care even more important in young children.”