We are excited to share some news and opportunity for parents of students in grades K-12 at Ekalaka Public Schools.

Dental Appointments—ugh. It can be hard to take care of getting this done for your kiddos even though it’s just once or twice a year. Whether its work, the ranch, school stuff, or everything in between called ‘life’ that seems to get in the way. Well, we have a solution! And for this solution to work it needs you – parents. Carter County Public Health has partnered with Ekalaka Public Schools and Smiles Across Montana (SAM) to provide dental care services in Ekalaka for Public School K-12 students!

A little about SAM from their website: Smiles Across Montana’s mission is to improve the oral health outcomes of Montanans through collaboration and interprofessional partnerships. They also believe that everyone deserves access to equitable preventive services. SAM has a committed team of registered Dental Hygienists and Dentists from across the state. For more information check out their website https://www.smilesacrossmontana.com

A key and final piece to make this opportunity take place is you, the parents. There has to be enough interest expressed to secure a date. Parents should look for information that was sent home with students recently. Here are some important things to know:

If you have any interest in your kiddo receiving dental care through this partnership complete and return the forms to the school by January 20th. By completing and returning the forms you can still opt out. If you did not receive any info/forms please call the school to get a copy. The deadline to return the forms back to the school is January 20th. Smiles Across Montana is looking to schedule their visit sometime during the first week in February.

Check out the letter sent home for more details on the dental care that Smiles Across Montana can provide including; exams, cleanings, sealants, fluoride treatments, oral health demo, x-rays necessary and prescribed by a dentist.

Don’t let the concern of any costs deter you as there are options outlined in the information sent home for both insured and uninsured students. Public Health hopes to be able to expand this partnership with Smiles Across Montana for more opportunities in the future.

FLU and COVID-19 Vaccine | We have both available by appointment on Tuesday, January 18th and Monday, January 24th. Call the office at 406-775-6332 with questions or to reserve an appointment.

Influenza A has been seen circulating in Carter County. Contact your healthcare provider if you have any questions or symptoms. If we miss your call, we are likely on another line or helping another. Please leave a message and we will get back in touch.

COVID-19 At Home Test Kits | Public Health has a limited supply of free COVID-19 at home test kits available to residents. These are easy to use and give quick results in 15-30 minutes. The kits are available on a limited and first serve basis. Contact the health department office if interested.

COVID-19 Testing | Public Health is still conducting free testing for COVID-19 by appointment. Contact the office with questions. No obligation.

Our office will be closed Monday, January 17th in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Carter County Public Health

Suite 1229

106 E. Park Street,

Ekalaka, MT 59324

406.775.6332