TORRINGTON, Conn. — Brooker Memorial Dental Clinic has officially opened its doors to preschool students in Torrington, providing essential dental care as part of a community partnership with EdAdvance Head Start.
Brooker Memorial, a local organization supporting children and families through education and health services, collaborated with EdAdvance Head Start to establish the clinic at 119 Grove St., where children from prenatal to age five receive early education.
The clinic launch was celebrated on Jan. 14 with a reception attended by 35 people, including grant funders and local officials. Torrington Mayor Molly Spino, state Sen. Paul Hoeing (D-8th District), and state Rep. Joe Canino (R-65th District) toured the facility and met with staff.
Christina Emery, executive director of Brooker Memorial, thanked EdAdvance for helping make the clinic possible. “Your belief in this partnership made it possible to create an in-school dental clinic serving 120 preschool children, allowing us to treat them before barriers become obstacles,” Emery said.
Jonathan Costa, executive director of EdAdvance, expressed pride in the program and facility. “We are proud of this historic program and our early childhood education efforts, and this clinic allows us to work together for the best outcomes for our students,” he said.
Emery also recognized the financial support from Hartford HealthCare, Torrington Savings Bank, Union Savings Bank Foundation, and American Savings Foundation. She praised the Brooker Board of Managers, including Board President Donna Mattiello, for their support in expanding dental services to preschoolers.
Dental hygienist Debra Ravlin, who coordinates the program, introduced the clinic’s equipment, including a mobile dental cart, sterilizer, dental chair, and supply cabinet. She highlighted that many Head Start children are already Brooker Memorial patients. Each enrolled child will receive two cleanings annually, with additional services referred to Brooker Memorial or the child’s regular dentist.
The initiative emphasizes preventative dental care, recommending checkups every six months to reduce the risk of major dental issues.