Dr. Rodney Jackson calls the Fayette County Health Department and its leadership a “well-oiled machine” when it comes to public health concerns. The pediatric dentist begins his first term this week as chair of the Lexington Health Department Board. Jackson said the Fayette County community has responded well, overall, to the period of coronavirus.
“We seem to have a very progressive mayor who’s doing all that she can do to help keep the community safe. Most of the residents are adherent to most of the laws that are passed,” said Jackson.
Jackson said the central Kentucky community is seeing a higher incidence rate currently as are many counties in the Commonwealth. The dentist noted health department staff follow Centers for Disease Control recommendations which are important to help prevent the spread of COVID.
In a related matter, Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky has reinstituted its mask requirement for workers.
Meanwhile, Jackson said there is not one particular health service offered at the Lexington agency to prioritize. And one of those services is regular inspections of area restaurants in the preparation of meals. Jackson added it’s a public health concern when a restaurant doesn’t meet the proper standards.
“I know I look at a restaurant rating before I go. It’s not the main deciding factor that I use whether I’m going to eat there or not, but it does play an important role in whether or not I think it’s safe to eat at a particular restaurant,” said Jackson.
Jackson, who began his pediatric dental practice almost 20 years ago in Lexington, said dental health among Fayette County children meets the national average. He noted access to dental health and oral health knowledge can be a factor in lower-income families.
