The Family Wellness committee is working with a school nurse and a local dentist on the best way to ensure that our children have a “healthy mouth”. Anecdotal data indicates that Plymouth children have poor dental care and there is a discrepancy in children from Plymouth and surrounding communities. This committee is struggling with data collection to support “what we know”. Committee members have plans to reach out to the state to see if there is existing data. There has been ongoing discussion on organizing a screening in the Plymouth schools to collect data from Kindergartner’s and Third graders. This committee strongly feels that Kindergarten is too late to begin dental prevention. Anecdotal data also indicates that Plymouth children have a higher rate of caries and this committee is looking into ways of bringing awareness to the community on prevention beginning at birth. It is important to also note that Plymouth is a community without public fluoridated water and will explore strategies and awareness to address this. This committee has plans to begin a “Dental Awareness” program through outreach in the community (FRC, Food Pantry and other places that families attend) and through monthly articles in Plymouth’s local paper; provided free to every home in the community.

Local Dentists

Plymouth Public School School Nurses

PECC Family Wellness Committee

Torrington Area Health District

Implement Dental Awareness Program - to ensure that families are aware of preventive care to avoid dental problems in children.

Explore Fluoridation of Public Water System - to ensure children have a reduction in Caries and other dental problems.