Scavo High School Opens Iowa’s First School-Based Dental Clinic

Dr. works on , the first patient to use the new dental clinic at Scavo High School.

Dr. works on , the first patient to use the new dental clinic at Scavo High School.

DES MOINES, IA (Jan. 15, 2016) – On Tuesday, Jan. 19, Scavo High School, in partnership with Delta Dental of Iowa and the Mid-Iowa Health Foundation, will formally open Iowa’s first school-based full service dental clinic.

The Nolden Gentry Dental Clinic official “floss cutting” will take place at 4:00 p.m. on the 4th floor of Central Campus, 1800 Grand Ave.

The new clinic is named in honor of Nolden Gentry, the first African-American elected to the Des Moines School Board and a long-time member of the Delta Dental and Mid-Iowa Health Foundation boards of directors.  Mr. Gentry plans to attend the opening on Tuesday.

Scavo is already the site of a medical clinic, community food pantry and a daycare facility, and continues to grow into its designated role as a full-service school, as DMPS support broadens for students who find barriers between themselves and graduation. At the on-site dental clinic, students will receive preventive and restorative treatment services including screenings, exams, cleanings, fluoride treatments, x-rays, fillings, and extractions, which will improve their overall health.

The clinic was funded with a $250,000 grant from Delta Dental of Iowa Foundation, and two grants from the Mid-Iowa Health Foundation totaling $55,000.

Delta Dental of Iowa is the largest dental insurer in the state and provides dental and vision benefits to more than one million Iowans. As a not-for-profit insurance company, Delta Dental of Iowa invests in oral health and wellness projects through the Delta Dental of Iowa Foundation that focus on access to care, prevention, education and research. Since 2002, Delta Dental has contributed more than $21 million to support and improve the oral health of Iowans.

Strengthening our community’s health has been the primary focus of the Mid-Iowa Health Foundation since it began in 1984, endowed with the proceeds from the sale of Northwest Community Hospital. The foundation commits resources with the mission of serving as a catalyst and partner for improving the health of vulnerable people in greater Des Moines.