“From Fear to Friendly: Making Dental Visits Easier for Kids and Families” - Guy talks with Melinda Prado UCHC (Aired 12/17/2025)

On this week’s United Community Health Center update, host Guy Atchley speaks with Melinda Prado, a dental hygienist who has spent the past 14 years caring for patients at UCHC. Melinda shares insight into the ongoing challenges of children’s dental health and explains why cavities remain common despite increased awareness. She highlights newer treatment options such as silver diamine fluoride (SDF), a simple and effective way to slow or stop cavities—especially helpful for young children or patients with high dental anxiety.Melinda also discusses UCHC’s recently completed dental remodels and how upgraded spaces, improved organization, and new equipment enhance the patient experience. From brighter, more welcoming treatment rooms to a unified sterilization lab and the availability of nitrous oxide for anxious patients, the changes were designed with families in mind and help dental teams deliver care more efficiently and comfortably.A major focus of the conversation is UCHC’s mobile dental program, which brings full dental services directly to local schools. Melinda explains how the mobile dental RV removes barriers such as transportation, missed work, and lost classroom time, allowing children from preschool through high school to receive exams, cleanings, x-rays, and even restorative treatments on campus. She emphasizes the importance of communication with parents and the behind-the-scenes teamwork between dental staff and school personnel that keeps the program running smoothly.The interview wraps up with practical, often-overlooked prevention tips for parents, including helping children brush and floss until at least age eight, limiting sugary and sticky snacks, and encouraging water as the go-to drink. Melinda also shares what inspired her to become a dental hygienist and what continues to fuel her passion—building long-term relationships with patients, educating families, and empowering the community to prevent dental problems before they begin.