Health Heroes: How Nevada County's Public Health Team is Transforming Local Education

Early Morning Smiles: Dental Care Comes to Deer Creek Elementary
On a crisp morning, a group of young students from Transitional Kindergarten through third grade gathered for a critical health intervention that goes far beyond routine dental care. At Deer Creek Elementary School, approximately a dozen children were receiving essential dental treatments, ranging from thorough cleanings to addressing painful tooth decay that can significantly impact their learning and overall well-being.
The initiative highlights a pressing community challenge: the scarcity of affordable dental care in Nevada County. These young students, some as young as four or five years old, were getting much-needed professional attention that many families struggle to access due to financial constraints.
More than just a routine check-up, these dental services represent a lifeline for children whose oral health challenges can create barriers to education and personal development. Painful tooth decay can make concentrating in class difficult, affecting a child's ability to learn, socialize, and enjoy their early school experiences.
By bringing dental care directly to the school, this program ensures that children receive critical healthcare services conveniently and without additional financial burden to their families.