Thursday, January 28, 2021 - 6:12 am Dr. Oseghale applies varnish to a patient. OGDENSBURG – Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center’s pediatrician, Dr. Kome Oseghale, recently began the practice of applying fluoride varnish to the teeth of some of her youngest patients. Working with the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and St. Lawrence County Public Health, Dr. Oseghale has successfully been able to apply fluoride varnish to nearly 40 children in the past six weeks. Dr. Oseghale chose this project she named 123 Smile to implement into her practice after attending an AAP conference where pediatric oral health was discussed. “The evident need for better oral health in our pediatric population is high, especially in our younger, Medicaid population,” she said. “Dental caries is the most prevalent chronic disease among children. Almost half of all children will experience tooth decay by the time they reach kindergarten.” She continued, “That is not acceptable, and I have chosen to address this disparity within my practice through the 123 Smile program.”