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Evolve Behavioral Health Services
Healthy Connections
My Kids Pediatric Clinic

CALL US: 888.710.8220

Protect Your Smile, Boost Your Dental Health

Celebrating Fluoride Day

Fluoride Day, celebrated on January 25, is a great opportunity to focus on one of the most important tools for protecting your teeth and maintaining a healthy smile. With fluoride making headlines in recent years, it’s essential to understand its benefits and how it plays a key role in cavity prevention and oral health for all ages.

What is Fluoride and Why Does It Matter?

Fluoride is a natural mineral that strengthens tooth enamel, the outer protective layer of your teeth. By making enamel more resistant to acid and bacteria, fluoride prevents cavities and reverses the earliest signs of tooth decay. Research spanning decades confirms that fluoride is both safe and effective when used as part of a daily oral care routine.

  • How It Works: Fluoride remineralizes weakened enamel by repairing areas damaged by acid attacks. Think of it as your teeth’s personal repair system, helping to stop tooth decay before it starts.

Who Benefits From Fluoride?

Everyone can benefit from fluoride, regardless of age:

  • Children: Fluoride strengthens developing teeth, providing a solid foundation for lifelong dental health.
  • Adults and Seniors: Fluoride continues to protect enamel, especially in later years when teeth may weaken due to age or lifestyle factors.

Easy Ways to Incorporate Fluoride Into Your Routine

Adding fluoride to your oral care routine is simple and effective:

  1. Brush with Fluoride Toothpaste: Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste removes plaque and reinforces enamel.
  2. Drink Fluoridated Water: Many communities add fluoride to public water supplies, providing a convenient way to protect your teeth.
  3. Schedule Professional Fluoride Treatments: During routine dental check-ups, ask your dentist about fluoride varnishes or treatments for added protection.
  4. Use Fluoride Mouth Rinse: For additional cavity prevention, try a fluoride mouth rinse, especially if you’re at higher risk for tooth decay.

Why Healthy Connections is Your Dental Health Partner

At Healthy Connections, we’re proud to provide high-quality dental care to families and individuals in Mena and Hot Springs. Our services include fluoride treatments, cleanings, cavity prevention, and much more—all tailored to your needs. We’re committed to making dental care accessible and affordable:

  • We accept Medicaid and most dental insurance plans.
  • Sliding Fee Scale: For those who qualify, we offer a sliding fee scale to ensure everyone can access the care they need.
  • Expert Providers: Our team of experienced dental professionals is dedicated to helping you achieve and maintain a healthy smile.

Fluoride in the News: What You Should Know

Fluoride has been a hot topic in recent years, with debates over its safety and effectiveness. Here are the facts:

  • Fluoride has been proven to reduce cavities by up to 25% in children and adults, according to public health studies.
  • Water fluoridation is recognized as one of the top public health achievements of the 20th century.
  • Professional fluoride treatments are a safe way to strengthen enamel, especially for those with dry mouth, braces, or other risk factors for cavities.

Protect Your Smile – Schedule Your Dental Check-Up Today!

Fluoride Day is the perfect time to take charge of your dental health. Whether you’re looking for fluoride treatments, routine cleanings, or a personalized dental plan, Healthy Connections is here to help.

Call us today at 888-710-8220 or visit www.healthy-connections.org/dental to learn more about our dental services. Don’t wait—start your journey to a brighter, healthier smile today!

For more than 25 years, Healthy Connections has been a trusted provider of medical, dental, and behavioral health services in Arkansas. With dental clinics in Mena and Hot Springs, we offer personalized, patient-centered care for all ages. From preventive fluoride treatments to advanced dental procedures, we’re committed to keeping your smile healthy. Learn more or schedule an appointment by visiting www.healthy-connections.org/dental.

Kaleb Harp, DDS

Kaleb Harp, DDS

Director of Dental Services

Sidney Wilkins DDS

Sidney Wilkins DDS

Dentist

Mena Health Park

136 Health Park Lane

Kayla Goodson, DDS

Kayla Goodson, DDS

Dentist

Kristen Irby, RDH

Kristen Irby, RDH

Registered Dental Hygienist

Hot Springs Chippewa

1723 Malvern Ave.

Exciting Changes Coming Soon

On 01.29.25, Healthy Connections is unveiling something new – a transformation that will make connecting with us easier, faster, and better than ever before.

Stay tuned for updates as we get closer to the big day. We can’t wait to share how this will enhance your experience with us.

Visit www.healthy-connections.org regularly for more details.

Dr. Leslie Ward Certified HIV Specialist

Dr. Leslie Ward Becomes Certified HIV Specialist™

Healthy Connections is excited to announce that Dr. Leslie Ward, MD, has earned the prestigious HIV Specialist™ (AAHIVS) credential from the American Academy of HIV Medicine (AAHIVM). This significant achievement highlights Dr. Ward’s exceptional expertise and commitment to providing comprehensive, inclusive, and cutting-edge care for patients living with or at risk for HIV.

Expert HIV Care in Arkansas

With her AAHIVS certification, Dr. Ward provides advanced HIV care services to patients across Arkansas, including:

  • Primary HIV Care Services: Confidential HIV testing, HIV primary care, Hepatitis C (HCV) treatment for mono-infections and HIV/HCV co-infections, and anal Pap screenings.
  • Specialty Care Services: Comprehensive transgender health services.
  • Preventive and Supportive Services: Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), and hospice care for advanced needs.

Dr. Ward welcomes patients at the following Healthy Connections locations:

Healthy Connections is proud to make high-quality care accessible to all. We accept Medicaid, Medicare, private insurance, and offer a sliding fee scale for qualifying patients without insurance.

Why Choose Dr. Ward for Your HIV Care?

Dr. Ward’s AAHIVS credential confirms her commitment to supporting the highest standards of HIV care. This credential, awarded by the American Academy of HIV Medicine, requires rigorous qualifications, including direct HIV patient care and 45+ hours of HIV-related continuing education. Patients can trust that Dr. Ward stays at the forefront of medical advancements in HIV treatment and prevention.

For expert HIV care, including PrEP, PEP, and specialized services, trust Healthy Connections to meet your needs with compassion and excellence.

Discover expert HIV care in Arkansas with Dr. Leslie Ward, Certified HIV Specialist™ (AAHIVS). Visit Healthy Connections clinics in Hot Springs, Russellville, or Mount Ida. Call 888-710-8220!

Investing In Healthy Smiles With Sealants

As we celebrate National Children’s Dental Health Month coming in February, we are thrilled to unveil the details of our annual Polk County Sealant Project 2025 – a pivotal initiative in our ongoing commitment to promoting oral health among Mena’s youth.

The Polk County Sealant Project: A Community Health Initiative

Since its inception, the Polk County Sealant Project has stood as a beacon of preventive dental care in Mena. In collaboration with the University of Arkansas Fort Smith Hygiene School, this program aims to provide essential dental care to students in the Mena School District, Ouachita River School District, and the Cossatot River School District.

Why Dental Sealants Matter

Dental sealants, a proven preventive measure in dentistry since the 1960s, are thin, plastic coatings painted on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. Extensive studies conducted by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research and others have demonstrated their efficacy and safety.

These invisible shields act as a barrier, blocking up to 80% of cavity-causing germs and food particles from the pits and grooves of the back teeth. This preventative measure not only safeguards children’s dental health but also contributes to significant long-term savings by averting future dental procedures.

National Children’s Dental Health Month Celebration

February, designated as National Children’s Dental Health Month, serves as a fitting backdrop for our Polk County Sealant Project. This month-long celebration underscores the importance of instilling good oral health habits in children and raises awareness about the significance of preventive dental care.

How to Participate in the Polk County Sealant Project 2025

This year’s project is tentatively scheduled for Thursday, February 20, and Thursday, February 27. However, please note that dates are subject to change based on demand. The tentative schedule designates specific schools for each day:

  • February 20: Wickes, Oden, Umpire, Van Cove, Acorn
  • February 27: Louise Durham, Holly Harshman, and Mena Middle School

To participate, parents and guardians are requested to complete the student/patient registration form, which will be sent home with students and needs to be returned by January 30, 2025. This form is crucial for your child’s screening and the application of sealants/fluoride at the Healthy Connections Mena clinic at 136 Health Park Lane.

Don’t Live in Polk County? No Problem!

If you reside outside Polk County, your child can still benefit from dental sealants at either our Mena or Hot Springs clinics. Simply call us at 888-710-8220, and we can work out the details. Appointments are available at your convenience, not limited to the specified project dates.

Comprehensive Dental Services at Healthy Connections

Beyond the Polk County Sealant Project, Healthy Connections extends its commitment to oral health through a range of dental services for all ages. With locations in Mena and Hot Springs, our dental programs cater to the diverse needs of our communities.

Fluoride Varnish Application

In addition to dental sealants, our program includes the application of fluoride varnish, a dental treatment designed to prevent tooth decay. This treatment is applied on the top and sides of teeth with a small brush, hardening upon contact with saliva.

Preventing Tooth Decay: More Than Just Sealants

While dental sealants are a powerful tool in preventing tooth decay, there are additional measures to consider. Alongside using fluoride toothpaste and drinking fluoridated water, maintaining a healthy diet and seeing your dentist regularly are effective ways to protect teeth from decay. Selecting a toothpaste containing fluoride and consulting with your dentist or pediatrician about water fluoridation are essential steps in maintaining your child’s dental health.

Join Us in Building a Healthier Polk County Together

We encourage you to share this information within your network, using #HealthySmilesMena on social media. For any inquiries or further information about our dental programs, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Thank you for joining us in this important community health initiative. At Healthy Connections, we believe in building a healthier Arkansas– one smile at a time.

December Employees of the Month

Healthy Connections Names December 2024 Employees of the Month

Healthy Connections has selected two exemplary employees as its December 2024 Employees of the Month: Len Green of the Little Rock Midtown and Russellville clinics, and Linda Hoobler of the Mena clinic. Each month, one employee from the East Communities and one from the West are chosen based on coworker nominations and evaluation by senior management. The three pillars of community, compassion, and excellence guide this selection process.

Len Green: East Communities

Len Green, a Clinical Territory Lead for the Little Rock Midtown and Russellville clinics, joined Healthy Connections in 2024. Coworkers praise her commitment to ensuring that both patients and staff have the resources they need, each day.
They also note that she “brings a positive outlook everywhere she goes and sets the bar high for great bedside manner.” Through her leadership and support, Len plays an essential role in promoting quality patient care and strengthening team collaboration.

Linda Hoobler: West Communities

Billing Manager Linda Hoobler has been with Healthy Connections since 2020 and serves the Mena clinic. Colleagues commend her ability to balance departmental objectives with a supportive approach to team well-being, citing that she “works very hard and tries to keep everyone happy.”
Linda’s readiness to learn new methods and assist wherever needed illustrates her commitment to building a cohesive work environment and delivering excellent service.

Embodying Community, Compassion, and Excellence

Healthy Connections is proud to acknowledge Len and Linda for their dedication to our mission. Their efforts contribute significantly to upholding our core values and ensuring that patients receive quality care every day. Congratulations to both honorees on this well-deserved recognition, and we look forward to their continued impact on our organization.

Inclement Weather Updates

Weather Update: Clinic Closures

Due to worsening weather and road conditions, all Healthy Connections clinics are now closed for the remainder of Thursday, January 9, and will remain closed on Friday, January 10.

We hope to reopen for normal hours at all locations on Monday, January 13, at 7:45 a.m.

For questions or assistance regarding your appointment, please call us at 888-710-8220.

Thank you for your understanding as we prioritize the safety of our patients and staff. Stay safe!

ClinicThursday, January 9Closed
ArkadelphiaClosed at 1:45 pmClosed
De QueenClosed at 11 a.m.Closed
HaskellClosed at 1 pmClosed
Hot Springs CentralClosed at 1 pmClosed
Hot Springs ChippewaClosed at 1 pmClosed
Hot Springs McAuleyClosed at 1 pmClosed
Hot Springs VillageClosed at 1:15 pmClosed
Little Rock MidtownClosed at 2:15 PMClosed
Malvern Teeter PlazaClosed at 1 pmClosed
Malvern PinnacleClosed at 1 pmClosed
MenaClosed at 11 a.m.Closed
Mount IdaClosed at 11 a.m.Closed
RussellvilleClosed at 1:30 pmClosed
TexarkanaClosed at 1:45 pmClosed
SheridanClosed at 2:30 pmClosed