Back to School 2020

C28 Back to School | TheTablet.org | August 29, 2020
What to Know About Back-to-School Dental Visits
As schools nationwide decide how they’ll
Keep in mind that dental issues are more
reopen for the fall semester, it’s important
common than you may think. Tooth decay (cav-
to schedule your child’s dental visit to ensure
ities) is one of the most common chronic con-
they’re in good oral health.
ditions of childhood in the U.S., reports the Cen-
“A back-to-school visit can help spot and
ters for Disease Control and Prevention, with
take care of any issues so your child doesn’t
about one in five children ages 5–11 having at
have to miss class once school starts. It’s also
least one untreated decayed tooth. At the ap-
a great time to get back on track if some of your
pointment, ask your dentist about your child’s
child’s dental habits have slipped a bit from nor-
overall dental health, as well if he or she spotted
mal routines,” says Dr. Ruchi Sahota, American
any cavities. This is also a good time to inquire
Dental Association (ADA) spokesperson.
about sealants, which can reduce the risk of
According to Dr. Sahota and the experts at
cavities by 80 percent. If your child plays sports,
the ADA, here are a few things parents should
a dental appointment is also an opportunity for
keep in mind:
your dentist to check their mouth guard for
• Schedule early: Many dentists are seeing
wear, tear and fit.
fewer patients daily than they did before
You can find a dentist near you by visiting
dental practices were closed earlier this year
for routine visits. This is to ensure all science-based
guidance and safety protocols
are followed. Factor this in, and call to schedule
an appointment as early as possible. This
will help ensure your child gets in before
school starts.
• Know what to expect: Dental visits have
changed in the COVID-19 era. When making
your appointment, ask about waiting room
procedures, whether you can go back with
your child, and other considerations.
• Some things at the dental office may look
different, so talk to your child before the appointment
and let them know these changes
are in place to help keep people safe. For
example, your dentist may be using different
protective equipment like masks that cover
more of their face, as well as goggles, face
shields and gowns,” says Dr. Sahota. “It may
all seem strange to your child, but a conversation
ahead of time can help put them
at ease. Remind them that underneath the
mask and shield, it’s still their same doctor.”
• Why check-ups matter: Poor oral health can
have a detrimental effect on a child’s quality
of life and future, however prevention and
early detection of dental conditions can help
avoid pain, trouble eating, difficulty speaking
and school absences.
FindaDentist.ada.org. For more dental health
tips and resources, visit MouthHealthy.org.
To send your child off to class with a healthy
smile, it’s important to schedule a back-toschool
dental visit. Not only are they required
by some school districts, but they’re essential
for oral and overall health.
Article courtesy of StatePoint
St. Rose of Lima CA
Teaching Love of God, Neighbor and Self
Queens
St. Rose of Lima Catholic Academy in Rockaway
Beach seeks to provide a quality Catholic
education for every child who walks through its
doors. The academy aims to educate the whole
child through programs encompassing the
spiritual, intellectual, social, psychological and
physical development of students.
Through its religious education program, educators
strive to develop a well-rounded Christian
personality that will be reflected by respect
toward self and others as exemplified by Jesus
in the Gospels. Worship builds and celebrates
the relationship between God and the community
of God’s people. It is the academy’s goal to
enrich the spiritual lives of students.
St. Rose of Lima Catholic Academy teaches
love of God, love of neighbor and love of
self, and strives to encourage a respect for life
and a love of learning. The children are taught
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that each person is created in the image and
likeness of God. For this reason, students learn
that they must respect one another.
Teachers strive to create an environment in
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The relationship between the student
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