Board recognizes Links Incorporated, Colgate van for dental screenings of elementary students
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Summary
The board recognized the Central Jersey and Raritan Valley chapters of The Links Incorporated and Colgate-Palmolive’s Colgate Dental Van for providing dental screenings to about 758 students across the district’s seven elementary schools.
FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP, N.J. — The Franklin Township Board of Education recognized the Central Jersey and Raritan Valley chapters of The Links Incorporated and its partner Colgate-Palmolive on May 23 for bringing the Bright Smiles Bright Futures dental- screening program to the district.
According to the district presentation, the Colgate Dental Van provided screenings to roughly 758 students at the district’s seven elementary schools earlier this school year. The program offered free dental education and screenings, referrals to dentists willing to provide services at low or no cost, and family education about oral-health and diet.
Why it matters: District and program representatives said many students who used the service had never been to a dentist; the program removed a barrier to preventive care and provided referrals to follow-up providers.
Speakers and partners: Keyon Peters, the district’s supervisor of school counseling for grades K–8, and Connie Pizarro (Links representative) joined district nurses Terry Georgiani (head nurse) and Kim McNay Nickney (assistant head nurse) in recognizing the program. Peters said screenings were organized across all elementary campuses and praised the collaboration; Pizarro said the effort began with one school and expanded to all district elementary schools.
Program details: The Links Incorporated is an international nonprofit that partners with Colgate for Bright Smiles Bright Futures outreach. The agenda item said the district expects to host the program again next year and aims to expand reach.
Ending: Board members thanked volunteers and staff and expressed hope the partnership will return for another school year.
