Health Promotion Specialists (HPS) was created in June 2000 as a catalyst to slow the devastating effects of dental disease in South Carolina. Although preventable, dental disease is the number one chronic disease of children and the second costliest disease to treat in the United States - more costly than cancer and diabetes.
HPS focuses on preventing dental disease and teaching children to make wise choices that will positively affect their overall health and future.
A Comprehensive, Collaborative Health Team
- Partners with SC DHEC and SC school districts to provide preventive health education and oral health services
- Refers children to local doctors, dentists, speech therapists, etc. for any additionally needed services
- Works with community resources and participates in community activities to promote health
A Winning situation for all involved
- Children win by having less cavities and pain
- School districts win through children’s improved health and thereby increased opportunities to learn
- Community providers win by increased referrals for needed care
- Tax payers win through prevention of disease rather than having to pay for more costly treatment
HPS is different from other programs
- Other programs look for holes (cavities) in children’s teeth to either refer for repair or fix them on site
- HPS’ goal is to prevent the holes (cavities). We refer children for needed care, but our primary goal is prevention
- Historically speaking, healthcare has controlled and stopped disease with prevention (i.e., small pox, polio, and hepatitis B) Treating the diseases did not slow them or stop them. It takes prevention.
- Dental sealants are the “immunization” to fight tooth decay.
Since the HPS school-based program has began, the status of oral health has changed for the better in South Carolina's children. View the SC Needs assessment.