Dental hygienist Jean Spires, left, who works for the School-Based Dental Sealant Program, applies a dental sealant to the mouth of a third-grader at Morrison Elementary School in Athens earlier this week. ”+ ”+ ”+

Dental hygienist Jean Spires, left, who works for the School-Based Dental Sealant Program, applies a dental sealant to the mouth of a third-grader at Morrison Elementary School in Athens earlier this week.

Jean Spires is going from school to school around Athens County imploring kids to aopen wide.a She is a dental hygienist on a quest to prevent tooth decay.

Spires works for the School-Based Dental Sealant program operated by the Athens City-County Health Department.

Parents of second- and sixth-grade students are asked to sign consent forms, and the children of those who do are examined and given sealants if theyare needed. Dental sealants prevent the most common type of tooth decay seen in school-aged children.

aWhile we donat do anything (to treat existing) decay, we do refer children to dental offices and childrenas hospital to make sure they have their dental needs treated,a Spires explained.

Jill Barber, who administers the Athens County School-Based Dental Sealant program grant, said they also work with county Children Services on those needs and with county Job and Family Services to arrange for transportation, if thatas required.

We’re always interested in hearing about news in our community.