Seal a Smile Oral Health Services
Seal a Smile was established to provide preventative dental care to elementary school-aged children in schools where over 35% of the children are eligible for the federal free lunch program. Seal a Smile provides school-based preventive dental services such as screenings, cleanings, fluoride, and sealants. Services are delivered with the medical and administrative oversight of Whitney M. Young Jr. Health Services.
In addition to the benefits of prevention, staff help children needing restorative dental services access necessary care. Seal a Smile refers all uninsured children to our Certified Navigators for assistance applying for children's health insurance.
The program serves over 3,000 children annually in schools located in Albany and Rensselaer County. Approximately half of the children seen have evidence of untreated cavities. These children average 3.75 teeth with untreated decay.
Seal a Smile was initiated in 2003 by HCDI’s Children’s Oral Health Advisory Board with support from the New York State Bureau of Dental Health. In 2006, Seal a Smile was recognized by the Healthcare Association of New York State with the 2006 HANYS’ Community Health Improvement Award.
More information on Children's Oral Health Needs in the Capital Region.
School-Based Oral Health Services
• Oral health classroom education
• Dental cleanings
• Dental sealants
• Dental screenings
• Fluoride treatments
• Referrals and care management services for follow-up treatment
• Participants receive a toothbrush, toothpaste and fun prizes
• Individual oral hygiene care instructions
Participating Schools
Cohoes City School District
Watervliet City School District
Troy City School District
Lansingburgh School District
Berlin School District
Hoosick Falls Central School District
Green Island School District
Berne Knox Westerlo School District
Hoosic Valley Elementary
Troy Alternative Learning Program<
Albany Alternative Learning Program
Brighter Choice Charter School for Boys and Girls
Henry Johnson Charter School
KIPP Charter School
True North Troy Preparatory Academy
Gilboa-Conesville Central
Waterford-Halfmoon Central
Galway Central School District
Jefferson Central School District
Sharon Springs Central School District
Participating Summer Programs
Unity Sunshine Preschool
Head Start/Early Head Start Programs
Schoharie County Child Development Council
Albany Community Action Partnership
Rensselaer County CEO
Delaware Opportunities, Inc.