Dentist provides free screenings for students
Dr. Blake Sherwood applies sealant to third-grader Anna Brooks during the annual Sealant for Smiles program at the Plains School. (Tracy Scott/Valley Press)
On Thursday, Dr. Blake Sherwood, owner of MTWest Dentist, partnered with Sealants for Smiles to conduct dental screenings for over 60 Plains Elementary School students.
Sherwood was joined by his staff members, Carla Steinbach, Shaelyn Herron and McCaela Mitman, the director of Sealants for Smiles. Together, they performed oral health screenings for students in grades K-6, providing dental sealants and fluoride treatments when needed.
This marks the continuation of an important initiative that began in 2012, when the Plains School District first hosted a Sealants for Smiles oral health screening. The former owner of MTWest Dentist generously donated their services until Sherwood purchased the practice in 2021.
A veteran of the Air Force, where he left with the rank of captain, Sherwood and his spouse, Dana, always dreamed of starting their dental practice in a small town— and they fell in love with Plains.
Since purchasing the practice, Sherwood has continued to volunteer his time with Sealants for Smiles.
"For some kids, this may be the only opportunity to see a dentist," he explained.
Sealants for Smiles is a nonprofit organization, funded by Montanans, which serves over 60 locations across the state. The organization relies on more than 200 dental professionals who donate their time to provide free screenings to children and families who might not otherwise afford them. According to Mitman, Sealants for Smiles conducts approximately 10,000 screenings annually for children throughout Montana. Dental supplies for the event were provided by Sealants for Smiles.
"I do this for the children. It's an opportunity to help the community," Sherwood shared.
This year's event saw a slightly lower turnout compared to last year, with 80 exams conducted in 2024. After their screenings, each student received a toothbrush, toothpaste, a prize and a dental "report card."
Parents who wish to have their children participate in future oral health screenings are required to fill out a consent form and return it to the school.