Bassett Expanding Fluoride Varnish Dental Treatments to Pediatric Patients

Treatment Takes Less Than One Minute, Reduces Risk of Cavities

COOPERSTOWN—Bassett Healthcare Network is working to bridge preventive dental treatment with well-child checks across its pediatric clinics, including fluoride varnish treatments. Fluoride varnish, a protective substance painted on the teeth, significantly reduces risks of tooth decay and cavities. The process takes less than a minute and can be performed by a medical or dental provider.

Bassett Healthcare Network’s 22 school-based health centers, which are already performing fluoride varnish treatments as part of their complement of dental care, offer it to all students who have a moderate or high risk for dental decay, which can lead to cavities and tooth loss.