Category: Uncategorized
Chronic Disease Prevention, branded as Well-Ahead Louisiana, within the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH), partnered with St. John Parish Head Start and the LSU Pediatric Dentistry Program to host an Oral Health Day at LaPlace Elementary School in LaPlace, Louisiana, on October 8, 2026.
Dental professionals screened 125 children, and some received fluoride varnish applications to help prevent cavities. Children enrolled in Head Start at Lake Pontchartrain, West St. John, LaPlace, and Garyville/Mount Airy Elementary Schools received oral health education. Participating partners included Dr. Sterling Roberts, DDS, LSU pediatric dental residents, and the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program. Educational activities focused on proper brushing techniques, healthy eating habits, cavity prevention, and the importance of routine dental visits.
“Collaborating with Well-Ahead Louisiana’s Oral Health Program allows us to bring preventive dental services directly to children in communities with identified oral health needs,” said Dr. Roberts. “By combining LSU’s clinical services with Well-Ahead’s education and community partnerships, we can help bridge gaps in access, identify concerns early, and connect families with ongoing dental care.”
Connecting Families to Care Beyond the Classroom
The partnership also emphasized the importance of parents and guardians maintaining children’s oral health and seeking follow-up care when needed.
“Reaching children during their Head Start years gives us an opportunity to establish healthy habits early and help families understand the value of preventive dental care,” said Jasmine Alexander, Oral Health Grants Program Manager at Well-Ahead Louisiana. “Engaging parents and guardians is an essential part of that effort. When a child needs additional care, we want families to understand the screening findings and know where to turn for appropriate follow-up services.”
Well-Ahead Louisiana Evidence-Based Preventive Services Coordinator Cristal Woods also attended the event, where she led the “education station,” and highlighted the value of providing oral health services to children in familiar settings.
“Every child deserves access to quality oral health care, regardless of their circumstances. By bringing preventive dental services and education directly into our schools, we are not only helping prevent tooth decay but also giving children the foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles. Partnerships like these allow us to reach more children, identify dental concerns early, and make a meaningful difference in the communities we serve,” Woods said.
Prevention Starts With Education
Combining oral health education with dental screenings for 125 Head Start children demonstrates how collaboration between public health programs, schools, and dental professionals can expand access to preventive care and identify the need for further treatment.
The Oral Health Program remains committed to helping Louisiana’s youngest residents and their families access the education, preventive services, and follow-up resources that support a lifetime of healthy smiles.
For more information on how Well-Ahead is helping promote oral health awareness, partnering with organizations, and encouraging evidence-based best practices to improve oral health in Louisiana, visit https://wellaheadla.com/prevention/oral-health/ or contact Jasmine.Alexander@la.gov.
