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Kenaitze Indian Tribe

Kahtnuht’ana Dena’ina

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For Kids, Taking the Fear Out of Dentistry

April 13, 2016

Talk to a group of adults about going to the dentist, and there’s a good chance at least one in the bunch will admit it gives them anxiety.

But for young children unfamiliar with dentists and the importance of oral health, a trip to have their teeth cleaned can be especially frightening.

Dr. Michael Morton, Dental Director at the Dena’ina Wellness Center, says there are step parents can take to help alleviate their child’s fears.

“Present it as something fun and exciting,” Morton said. “Avoid negative words such as ‘hurt,’ ‘drill’ and ‘shot.’”

To help reduce anxiety, Morton said iChildren at Early Childhood Center brush teeth after luncht’s important for parents to explain to their children what occurs during visits to the dentist, including that the dentist will count, brush and take pictures of their teeth. It’s also important, he said, to be encouraging and upbeat.

The Dental Program prefers to begin seeing them once every six months beginning at the age of 2. At that age, it also is beneficial for children to watch their parent’s teeth be professionally cleaned because it familiarizes them with the process.
Many hygienists even recommend that an adult brush a child’s teeth until the age of 9 or 10, Morton said, because children continue to develop fine motor skills up to that age.

“This will make the habit routine and they will have better check-ups when they see the dentist,” Moron said.

The Dental Program partners with the Early Childhood Center to provide students with oral health screenings and fluoride treatments as the beginning of each school year, and second round of fluoride treatments in spring.

Children learn about nutrition and the importance of maintaining good oral health habits.

Teresa Smith, Early Childhood Center Manager, said it’s an important and beneficial partnership for the students.

“It really helps the kids. They get to know who the dentists are and what to expect, and they know that they don’t need to be afraid,” Smith said. “We immensely appreciate the partnership and look forward to continuing it for a long time.”

Morton established the “Cavity-Free Club,” giving children up to the age of 16 a chance to have their photo taken and win free movie tickets if they arrive to their six-month checkup without any cavities.

“The program is a huge success and helps to maintain healthy oral habits,” Morton said.


TIPS TO MANAGE YOUR CHILD’S DENTAL ANXIETY

  • Explain how it works: Your child is less likely to be surprised or caught off guard if you cover the basics before their appointment.
  • Practice: Role-playing beforehand can help familiarize your child with the process so they’re prepared for the real appointment.
  • Don’t offer material rewards for good behavior: Instead of bribing them with material incentives, verbally praise your child following the appointment.
  • Explain good oral hygiene: Tell your child, in simple terms, that going to the dentist will keep their teeth strong and their smile looking great.
  • Focus on your child: Although it might be tempting to use your own dental experiences as an example, focus all the attention on your child; this can boost their confidence.

*Information from www.lh360.com.

Filed Under: Stories

Kenaitze Indian Tribe

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Heidi King, NCAC II, CDCS

Recovery Support Manager/Counselor
Heidi has eight years of experience in the chemical dependency field. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology, with a minor in Women’s Studies, from the University of Alaska. She is a nationally accredited Chemical Dependency Clinician, and a state accredited Chemical Dependency Clinical Supervisor.

Heidi has a background in providing residential chemical dependency counseling. She is certified as a Conflict Resolution and Relapse Prevention Trainer with the National Association of Addiction Counselors. She is also a certified Peer Supports Trainer and Supervisor through the Alaska Commission of Behavioral Health Certification.

When she’s not serving un’ina, Heidi teaches yoga as a certified and registered instructor. She also enjoys hiking, fishing, and spending time with her child, spouse, and numerous pets, camping all over Alaska.

Heidi provides chemical dependency counseling services in group settings and individual sessions.

Heidi can personally relate to chemical dependency and is passionate about helping those seeking recovery supports. For Heidi, healing is community, and community is an important part of connection with one’s self. She sees the positive ripple effect that healing can provide throughout the community.

Fridrik Rafn Gudmundsson, MSW, LCSW

Recovery Support Manager
Fridrik has earned his master’s degree in Social Work and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. He studied massage therapy in Iceland, and became fascinated with the mind-body connection. He completed his undergraduate degree in philosophy with a psychology minor.

Fridrik has had the opportunity to live in four countries and to travel to many others. He counts finding and marrying the love of his life and adopting his son among his greatest accomplishments. He is grateful to be able to live in this beautiful and sacred part of the world and to serve the Tribe and un’ina, “those who come to us.”

When he’s not serving un’ina, Fridrik loves spending time with his family, hiking, kayaking, camping, fishing, traveling, and having fun. He enjoys learning, listening to music, and taking time for spiritual practice.

Fridrik provides assessments and individual, family and group psychotherapy at Chuq’eya Qenq’a, Birch Tree House.

For Fridrik, coming to the Kenaitze Indian Tribe felt like coming home. The more he learned about the Tribe and its history, as well as the history of the Alaska Native people, the more he knew he had found a place to be of service.

Teresa A. Ford, MSW, LMSW

Behavioral Health Clinician
Teresa earned her bachelor’s degree in Social Work at Limestone University in South Carolina, and her master’s degree in Social Work from Campbellsville University in Kentucky. Teresa’s experience includes serving homeless and other disadvantaged populations, as well as work in outpatient rehabilitation, hospice, chemical dependency, adult and adolescent counseling, and prevention.

Teresa appreciates the Kenaitze Indian Tribe’s traditional values. She sees them as a driving force in how we treat ourselves and others, and how we serve those in need of help.

When not serving un’ina, “those who come to us,” Teresa spends her time bonding with her family, creating and traveling. She also enjoys learning about Alaska Native culture, exploring new hobbies, and gardening.

Teresa provides individual, family, and group therapy services. Teresa takes a variety of approaches to therapy, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma Focused Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, Motivational Interviewing, Narrative Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy.

Teresa has always been a helper at heart. Being able to overcome the things she experienced growing up in South Carolina empowered and inspired her to help others navigate through their life journeys.