Amy Fenton, a dental hygienist at Baldwin Family Health Center, was honored with the Oral Health Champion Award from the Michigan Oral Health Alliance.
Fenton received the award after receiving a $4,000 grant from the Lake County Community Foundation. The funds will be used to purchase 160 electric toothbrush kits for students receiving dental services at the Baldwin Community School Health Center. The program aims to inspire children to develop better oral health habits.
“Cavities are the most common chronic disease among American children,” Fenton explained. “At the Baldwin School Clinic, over 54% of our pediatric patients have active cavities. My goal is to provide students with tools that can help reduce plaque and ultimately prevent cavities.”
She noted that electric toothbrushes are more effective at removing plaque than traditional toothbrushes. Electric toothbrushes also come with a two-minute timer to encourage thorough brushing.
The Oral Health Champion Award recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to promoting oral health in the community.