Exmore, VA - Northampton County Public Schools (NCPS), in partnership with Eastern Shore Rural Health System (ESRHS), officially opened its second school-based dental unit on Wednesday, marking a significant milestone in student health services. The ribbon-cutting ceremony was held at Occohannock Elementary School (OES), home to the new state-of-the-art dental clinic designed to provide preventive and restorative care to students from ages 6 months to 18 years.
The event featured remarks from a host of community and regional leaders, including NCPS Superintendent Dr. Lisa Martin, ESRHS CEO Jeannette Edwards, Delegate Rob Bloxom, and Chief Dental Officer Dr. Scott Wolpin. Senator Tim Kaine, who helped secure $159,000 in federal funding for the clinic through congressional appropriations, also shared remarks via video message.
“This achievement speaks volumes about what’s possible when our community comes together for its children,” said Dr. Martin. “Excellence isn't always found in grand gestures—it’s found in a smile restored, a pain relieved, a barrier removed. That is the kind of excellence we are anchoring right here at OES.”
The new clinic is staffed with one dentist, two dental assistants, and a business assistant. It is open one day a week and aims to serve students who do not currently have access to a dental home. The clinic joins an existing school-based dental site at Kiptopeke Elementary, also established through the NCPS and ESRHS partnership formed in 2021.
The Occohannock site builds upon a long-standing model of success. ESRHS began its school dental program in Accomack County in 1995, a model that has been recognized nationally as a “program that works.” In 2012, ESRHS expanded access by adding a mobile dental program, and now serves both Accomack and Northampton County students.
According to ESRHS leadership, the program has had a significant reach, providing 10,828 school-based dental visits to over 4,100 children in 2024 alone. The goal for the new OES dental unit is to serve at least 50% of enrolled students in its first year.
“This clinic is an investment in our children’s health and future,” said Delegate Bloxom. “By removing barriers to care, we’re setting students up for success in the classroom and beyond.”
Following the ribbon cutting, guests were invited to tour the clinic and enjoy refreshments as they celebrated a new chapter in student health for Northampton County.
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