Jefferson County Health Department Announces Changes to Dental Services

Jefferson County, MO- The Jefferson County Health Department (JCHD) will adjust its dental services to better meet the community's needs and ensure long-term program sustainability.

Effective June 27, 2025, the Senior Smiles to Go dental van will no longer provide services. However, it will be open for cleanings, fillings, extractions, emergency appointments, and denture adjustments for existing patients through Thursday, June 26.

This decision comes as JCHD reassesses how to best utilize limited resources in light of ongoing challenges with staffing and scheduling. Operating both pediatric and adult mobile dental programs has proven unsustainable. Expanded dental care access is now available through Compass Health and other providers throughout the county, helping to fill the gap in adult services.

 “This is the best way to keep meeting community needs while using our resources wisely,” said Steve Sikes, Executive Director of JCHD. “By focusing on what we do best and working with other providers, we can ensure everyone gets the care they need without overlapping services.”

The updated focus will allow JCHD to build stronger partnerships with school districts, extend services to new educational settings, and support preventive oral healthcare for children throughout Jefferson County.

Current or past Senior Smiles to Go program patients can request their dental records at jeffcohealth.org/dental. Inquiries from current, past, or future patients will be referred to the following providers:

  • Compass Health Network: 844-853-8937

  • A.T. Still University – Missouri School of Dentistry & Oral Health: 866-626-2878

  • Affinia Healthcare: 314-814-8700

  • Elks Mobile Dental Program: 573-690-6003

  • STL Emergency Dental: 314-200-3880

JCHD remains committed to promoting and supporting access to quality dental care for all Jefferson County residents. For more information, visit jeffcohealth.org or call 636-797-3737.

Smart Snacking

Snacks can provide a much-needed energy boost between meals. When life gets busy, it’s easy to reach for something easy to take on the go, like chips or cookies.  However, you can maximize your snack break by choosing fruits, veggies, whole grains, dairy, or protein. These groups can give you the energy you need to finish the day and keep hunger in check for longer. Check out the tips below for ideas on how to start smart snacking! 

  1. Keep healthy snacks on hand: Having snacks like fruits, veggies, yogurt, nuts, or cheese sticks on hand can make it easier to reach for them when you’re hungry. Try to fix these snacks up at the beginning of the week or when you have time. Take the time to wash and cut fruit and veggies or pre-portion yogurt or nuts; that way, they will be ready to grab when you need them! 

  2. Practice mindful eating: Eat your snack at a table or somewhere free from distractions like TV or phone. These distractions can lead to overeating even when you aren’t hungry. Avoid eating a snack out of boredom, as this can also lead to mindless eating. 

  3. Check out the nutrition labels on pre-packaged snacks: Pre-packaged snacks can be very convenient when you are busy. Take some time to look for snacks with low added sugars and high levels of protein or fiber. These types of snacks will curb your hunger for longer and give you more energy in the long run than something with lots of added sugar. Ensure you also check the serving size, as some prepacked snacks contain a serving size of 2 or 3 instead of 1.  

  4. Make sweets the exception rather than the rule: Having a sweet treat or a bag of chips is fine as long as it isn’t the snack you reach for every day. 

  5. Keep snacks entertaining: Try different combinations of foods and mix up your daily snacks so you don’t get bored. You could also take this time to try a food you’ve never had before! 

Want to try out some smart snack ideas but don’t know where to start? Check out these sites for ideas! 

American Heart Month

February is American Heart Month. While it is true that heart disease is the number one killer of Americans, there are lifestyle modifications that can lower your and your family’s risk of developing the condition.  

Children ages 6-17 should aim for 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity daily. Most of this should be aerobic activity such as swimming or bike riding, but it is important to include muscle-strengthening exercises such as climbing trees or playground equipment and bone-strengthening exercises such as jumping or running as well.  

Adults, including women who are pregnant or postpartum, should aim for 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity each week. Always consult with your provider regarding exercise while pregnant or postpartum. Adults should also complete muscle-strengthening activities that target all major muscle groups at least twice per week.  

When planning meals, aim for foods high in fiber. High-fiber fruits include berries, apples, and pears. Whole grains such as oats, quinoa, and bran cereals, as well as legumes such as black beans and lentils, are other good sources.  

Replacing saturated fats with unsaturated fats can also reduce your risk of developing heart disease. Saturated fats are found in animal products, especially red meats and full-fat dairy products. Unsaturated fats are found in foods such as avocados, nuts, seeds, and olive oil.  

For more information, including kid-friendly heart-healthy recipes, visit the American Heart Association website: https://recipes.heart.org/en/collections/lifestyles/kid-friendly