Groundbreaking for Oral Health Hub at Children’s Dental Services

There was a groundbreaking for an Oral Health Hub at the Children’s Dental Service Duluth Clinic. The goal is to help provide dental care for approximately 20,000 kids annually, throughout Northeastern Minnesota. However, the Oral Health Hub is scheduled to open in 2024.

Erianna Reyelts, the Executive Director of Children’s Dental Service talked about the Oral Health Hub. “I was part of the team that searched for a property in Duluth three years ago” Reyelts said. “When I saw the building here at 25 West Superior Street, I felt right away that it was a special place for thousands of vulnerable children and families in Duluth and across the Northland”

Sarah Wovcha, the Executive Director of Children’s Dental Services, talked about why the Oral Health Hub was personal to her. “My family hails from the Iron Range, a community that struggles with poverty and lack of access to affordable health care.” Wovcha said. “And it feels really good on a personal level to be giving back so close to home.” Mayor Emily Larson also talked at the groundbreaking for the Oral Health Hub will function. “There will be ten new permanent stations here. And of course, this group has been providing tremendous dental care in this community through a mobile partnership with the school district.” Larson said.

Of course dental health and care go beyond wellness, because it can actually impact children’s academics. Superintendent John Magas spoke at the groundbreaking for the Oral Health Hub about why dental care is so crucial for young students. “I know that as an educator, it’s important for all of our kids to have their basic needs met so that they can be ready to learn. And mental health care, physical health care and dental health care are all very, very important to us. And we think about the services we need as we wrap around our children so that they can be successful. We don’t want students sitting in class embarrassed about their teeth or feeling pain. We want them there ready to learn with smiles on their faces.”

For more information about the for Oral Health for children you can look here. For other stories about dental health you can look here.