Something new is happening at Riverview International Academy—and it’s putting smiles front and center. For the first time, students received dental screenings right at school, thanks to a new effort led by Lakeside Union School District Nurses Denise Beals and Michelle McCurdy.
The screenings are part of a larger goal to make health care easier to access for kids. Denise and Michelle have been quietly working behind the scenes for years—responding to emergencies, helping families navigate care, and dreaming up ways to reach more students. This first round of dental screenings is a trial run, with hopes to include them as a regular part of health checkups for kindergarteners and possibly second and fifth graders in the future.
Principal John Greenwell welcomed the idea with open arms, with screenings starting last week with kindergarteners at Riverview’s Winter Gardens campus. His enthusiasm made Riverview the perfect place to start. “It means a lot to have principals like John say yes,” said Denise. “That support opens the door for us to help more kids.”
Dental pain is one of the top reasons children miss school. But it’s often hidden—many families don’t report it, and children may not know how to explain it. The screenings help identify issues early and connect families with local providers like Neighborhood Health, which partners with the district.
The nurses hope this small start grows into a full health screening day that includes not only dental, vision, and hearing checks, but also mental health support and education for families.
“We know that healthy kids learn better,” said Michelle. “That’s why we’re doing this.”
And thanks to the care and persistence of two district nurses—and a principal who said yes—this first step at Riverview is opening the door to a healthier future for students across Lakeside.