Ultraviolet light is used to cure a sealant applied to the teeth of Ferguson Elementary School second-grader Nataly Castro-Habana by Family First Health technicians during a free dental screening and sealant services program at the school on Tuesday. Second-graders at six city elementary schools will receive the free check-ups over the next two months through a program by the York City Bureau of Health. Sealant is a preventative measure when applied to the newly sprouted molars of children to protect the chewing surface. Students wear eye shades to shield their eyes from technician's spotlights. (Bill Kalina)

Baige Sistrine admitted to being nervous, although the giant smile on her face would have you thinking otherwise.

She intently watched her Ferguson Elementary classmates get dental sealants and screenings, knowing her turn was up next.

It had been awhile since Baige, 7, had been to the dentist, she said, and she was a little scared of the "scrapey thing."

But she showed some wisdom, too, knowing the reason behind Family First Health and the York City Board of Health offering in-school dental work on Tuesday.

"I'm glad they're fixing my teeth!" she said.

The dental day marked the sixth year of the program, which helps city health officials get access to students and provides families an easier way to get their child a free dental screening with professionals.

This year marked an expansion of the program, said Family First Health dental outreach coordinator Cynthia Hospador.

Next schools: Along with Ferguson, the dentists will be at Jackson Elementary on Wednesday; Devers Elementary on Tuesday, April 2, and McKinley Elementary on Wednesday, April 3. About 50 students were checked at Ferguson.

Students get their teeth examined, and if parents have approved it, a fluoride treatment and/or sealant to protect their molars. Hospador said the preventive measures help stop problems down the road.

"If we can get them sealed, hopefully there's very little decay," she said.

A grant is covering the costs. Hospador said if additional work is needed, parents are notified.

Second-grader Amaya Wilson, who had no cavities, thank you very much, said she usually gets nervous about the dentist since "I don't know what's going to happen."

But Amaya, 8, was glad to have dentists visit her school, considering she thinks it's a hassle otherwise. Those car trips add up.

"I don't have to drive around all the time," Amaya said.

- Reach Andrew Shaw at ashaw@yorkdispatch.com