Volunteers for better oral health

Certified Dental Assistant Rebecca Horne of Attleboro, MA, and Sarah Lochiatto of Stoughton, Dental Assistant, of ARCH Orthodontics were among the volunteers at a recent free dental screening and denture cleaning clinic for seniors hosted by the Elder Dental Program and Massasoit Community College’s Dental Assisting Program in Canton. Both Sarah and Rebecca are program graduates. The community-based, nonprofit program helps local elders access quality dental care through a network of local dentists who volunteer to treat low-income elders at significantly reduced fees.

A highlight was the award for Excellence in Community Oral Health from the Mass. Better Oral Health Coalition, presented to Dr. Stephen Stone, DMD, Norwood Periodontist, for his 46-year career and his service on a grassroots level to improve and promote oral health. Here Dr. Stone is greeted by Catherine Hayes, Chair, Better Oral Health for Massachusetts Coalition, and by volunteer, Molly Whalen of Middleborough, a dental hygienist who was crowned Miss Massachusetts 2011. ARCH Orthodontics is the Official Orthodontist of Miss Massachusetts. Molly will compete in the Miss America Pageant in Las Vegas on January 14, 2012. She is using her title to increase awareness of oral health issues with her platform, “Smart Smiles: Promoting the Importance of Oral Health.”

In this photo are Sarah Lochiatto and Dental Assisting Program Director, Judy Shannon, RDH, CDA, who has been involved with Elder Care for years and whose students also participate as well. Both Sarah Lochiatto and Rebecca Horne are program graduates. ARCH Orthodontics has offices in Stoughton, Bridgewater, Brockton, Canton, Hyde Park, Randolph and Westwood. ARCH Orthodontics offers free initial consultation including digital photos and panoral x-rays. For more information visit the ARCH Orthodontics website or call 1-800-28-SMILE.

Tags: ARCH Orthodontics, Elder Dental Program, Massasoit Community College, orthodontist Brockton MA, orthodontist Stoughton MA