Thornton Highschool Dental Program
We are so excited to partner with Thornton Highschool and for the opportunity to be able to provide in-school dental services to your students at little to no cost!
Our model will allow your students to receive evidenced-based preventive dental care based on their individual risk for cavities.
Services
- Dental Screenings
- Cleanings
- Fluoride Application
- Sealants
- Referrals
Hours and Location
The dental team will be on-site every Tuesday inside the Royal Health Center at Thornton Highschool
Services will be scheduled by the Dental Operations Manager based on the need of each participating student.
Consent Form
All students must have a completed consent form on file prior to any service. All personal information is transferred and stored securely.
Meet Your Providers
Milagros Medina, Dental Operations Manager
Graduated from PIMA Medical Institute, 2002
What inspired you to enter the dental field?
I chose the Dental field because I always knew I wanted to help people and give back to my community. Growing up my family could not afford dental care, this field inspired me to be able to help those patients in need of affordable dental care. This why I love my career because I can make a difference by helping educate them on their oral health.
Why do you like working with kids?
I enjoy working with kids because I have an opportunity to teach them and help them care for their teeth. Kids are like little sponges and the earlier you can help educate them the better oral health outcomes. Kids are funny and make me laugh and I really enjoy working with them.
Jamie Barten, RDH, BSDH
Graduated from Rochester Community and Technical College in Minnesota, 2015
What inspired you to enter the dental field?
I was one of those weird kids who LOVED going to the dentist ? When it came time to figure out a career path after high school, I decided to shadow a dental hygienist to see if it would be something I would be interested in. I didn’t see anything that day that grossed me out, so here I am! I still love learning about teeth and helping people with their dental needs.
Why do you like working with kids?
First off, children are so carefree and say the funniest things! Aside from that, working with children can be so rewarding and working with their parents/guardians to educate them on the importance of oral health is one of my favorite parts of my job. Every day I aim to positively impact the lives of my patients and alleviate any dental fears by providing positive dental experiences, no matter the age of the patients I am working with.
Criselda Sanchez, RDH, BSDH
Graduated from Carrington College in Boise, Idaho, 2009
What inspired you to enter the dental field?
I wasn’t fortunate like other kids to go to the dentist routinely. I grew up in a low-income family and lived in a rural area in south Texas where dental access was over an hour away. My siblings and I were fortunate that our mother refrained from giving us sweets and taught us that our smile was the first thing people notice. It wasn’t until later in life that I would understand the impact that would have on my oral health and that it would plant the seed for my desire to help change the world one smile at a time.
Why do you like working with kids?
I enjoy working with children because they are largely untainted by the world around us. I can never get enough of their lovely innocent personalities and truthfulness. Helping children develop healthy habits to care for teeth while they are young is important. These habits can set the stage for good oral health care throughout their entire life. It’s a privilege to work with the child and their parents to help instill these habits in their daily routine.
Parent FAQ
What is the cost for this program?
There is no cost to enroll your student in the program.
How do I enroll my student?
You can enroll your student(s) by completing the consent form, found on this page. Please make sure to complete a consent form for each student you wish to enroll.
My student was enrolled in the program in a previous year. Do I have to sign a new consent?
Yes. You must complete a new consent form every new school year you wish to participate in the program.
How much class time will my student miss?
40 – 60 minutes depending on the treatment completed.
Who do I contact for more information?
| Milagros Medina |
| Dental Operations Manager – Clinica Family Health |
| Email: dental4kids@clinica.org |
| Anaiz Sotelo |
| CCMA, Clinic Operations Manager – Kids First Colorado |
| Email: asotelo@kidsfirstco.org |
What if my student is in needs of dental services that are not offered by the dental team at the school?
Following your student’s screening you will receive additional information regarding your students treatment needs and follow up referral information if indicated.
What are the benefits to signing up for a school based dental program?
Students participating in the program have the opportunity to receive preventive dental services (screenings, cleanings and sealants) without having to miss multiple hours of class time to visit the dentist’s office.
Can my child still be seen if they have a dental home somewhere else?
Yes, all of the students at the school are eligible to participate in the school based dental program.
Teacher FAQ
Will I have advanced notice of when students will be missing from class?
Based on consents the Dental Operations Manager for this program would create schedule so that teacher had advance notice of when students might be pulled from class and could lesson plan in advance
How long will the appointments take?
40-60 minutes depending on the treatment completed.
Can students be seen by the dental team if they are not on the schedule?
No. Only students with completed consent forms, and who are already on the schedule can be seen by our dental team. If a student would like to enroll, they can pick up an enrollment card from the dental team and bring it home to their parent or guardian to complete the form online.
Will the students be in any pain after the visit?
No. We will not be preforming any treatments that will cause pain to the students.
Can students eat and drink normally after services?
No. Students should not eat anything hard or crunchy or drink hot liquids immediately after services. Please discourage eating crunchy foods or drinking hot liquids for 2 hours after services.
Questions?
Contact our Dental Operations Manager at dental4kids@clinica.org