February is recognized as Children’s Dental Health Month, and the Tonopah Dental Center (TDC) has taken significant steps to promote oral health among local youth. Earlier this month, TDC organized an educational and screening event at Tonopah Elementary School, highlighting the importance of maintaining healthy teeth and gums. This initiative is part of a collaborative effort with the Nye County School District and is aimed at reaching children in the community.
Valeria Romero, clinic manager for TDC, expressed enthusiasm about the event, stating, “This is the first time TDC – Nevada Dental Foundation has organized a dental event of this nature. Our intention is for this to become an annual initiative.” The concept for the event was proposed by Dr. Mark Rosenberg and Professor Julie Stage-Rosenberg, both of whom have dedicated their careers to improving children’s dental health. Dr. Rosenberg currently serves as a volunteer at TDC, while Professor Stage-Rosenberg is a registered dental hygienist actively contributing to the clinic’s initiatives.
In collaboration with TDC’s assistant, Lisa Gillard, the team spent two days at the school providing oral health education and on-site screenings. Approximately 45 children, representing around 35% of the school’s enrollment, participated in the dental screenings, which included fluoride varnish applications at no cost, funded by the Nevada State Oral Health Program.
“The exams identified significant preventative and restorative needs,” Romero noted. Families received recommendations for dental care along with hygiene supplies donated by Liberty Insurance Co.. The TDC team is also working with school staff to ensure that children receive the necessary follow-up care.
Romero emphasized the critical importance of dental health for children, explaining that it significantly impacts their overall health, learning, and quality of life. “Early prevention helps reduce cavities, pain, infections, and missed school days, while education empowers children to take responsibility for their health as they grow. By reaching children at an early age, we can teach proper oral hygiene and help establish healthy habits,” she said.
The Tonopah Dental Center opened its doors in November 2023, with a commitment to providing accessible dental care. Despite facing challenges, particularly regarding provider availability in a designated “frontier” community, TDC remains dedicated to its mission. Romero reassured the public that the clinic continues to operate fully, despite the recent closure of the Frontier Medical Group, which previously occupied the same building.
“We recently hired a dentist who will be providing care at our office twice a month for the next few months,” Romero added. “However, we continue to rely largely on volunteer providers. Our ongoing goal is to hire a full-time dentist—hopefully this year—to expand and stabilize our services.”
For additional information about the Tonopah Dental Center and its initiatives, visit TonopahDentalCenter.com.
