Small Smiles Dentist Dr. Chase Dighton Named To Cleft Lip and Palate Team

Dr. Chase Dighton, lead dentist at the Albuquerque Small Smiles Dental Center, was recently selected by Children’s Medical Services of New Mexico to act as lead dentist of the Children’s cleft palate repair team. Children’s Medical Services helps coordinate operations and treatment plans for cleft lip and palate repair for Medicaid patients. The team, comprised of a plastic surgeon, an oral surgeon, orthodontist, speech pathologist and a dentist, work to ensure that each child who undergoes a cleft palate operation receives comprehensive treatment.

Cleft lip and palates are birth defects that can have serious consequences for children, including misaligned teeth, problems gaining weight, slowed growth and development, as well as speech difficulties.

“I am honored to have been selected to be part of the cleft palate repair team by Children’s Medical Services,” says Dr. Dighton. “Through this important work and the care we provide at our dental center, we are helping to bring smiles to the children in New Mexico who need our help the most.”

Small Smiles Parents are Smiling!

At Small Smiles, we welcome the feedback of our patients and their families. Here is what some parents had to say about their recent visit to our dental centers:

“My kids love Small Smiles. It’s the best dentist in Savannah. I love it because it’s very fast and the workers are very nice and [are] always smiling. We love it.”
Terri A., Savannah, GA

“I love the size of the lobby. [It’s] not cramped like so many doctors’ and dentists’ offices. The children had enough room to play and there were plenty of chairs.”
Anonymous, Dayton, OH

“You worked well with the babies and are good with them. You guys have been great with our kids and I thank you for that.”
Michael W., Omaha, NE

“I had to change my insurance a couple of years ago and I can’t believe the difference with the level of care for my children. I am so impressed with the service they receive. Great system and great care!”
Anonymous, Springfield, MA

At Small Smiles, we love to see kids smile!

Update on Children's Dental Health in America

Small Smiles continues to monitor the trends in dental care for children from low-income families.

From November 16- 18, a national online poll surveyed 210 parents of young children in households with annual incomes of $35,000 or less. The survey found that the number of parents who reported that their children lacked health insurance increased from 16 to 19 percent. Additionally, the percentage of parents who indicated a reliance on Medicaid and CHIP for dental care increased from 40 to 53 percent. Both of these indicators showed an increase from May when the first survey was taken.

However, there were positive signs that although more parents are relying on assistance during tough economic times, they are not sacrificing their children’s dental care – instead they are seeking out solutions for care, such as Small Smiles dental centers. Some encouraging signs from the survey include:

• The percentage indicating having to choose between dental care and other necessities for their children decreased from 44 to 38 percent.
• The number of parents who said their child visits a dentist less than once each year decreased from 74 to 36 percent.
• A smaller majority – 70 percent, down from 86 percent – said they have trouble finding a dentist to treat their children.

Small Smiles Dentist Carl Trout Discusses the Need for Regular Dental Visits

In this clip from NBC 6 in Omaha, Nebraska, Small Smiles Dentist Dr. Carl Trout discusses the need for regular dental visits for children, saying:

"People need to remember that by coming in and getting a routine check-up, we can stay on top of manageable small problems...so that they don't develop into larger issues."

Small Smiles of Reno Hosts Free Dental Screenings

Recently, Small Smiles of Reno offered free dental screenings during "Boo-tiful Smiles Day."

During the screenings, Reno children learned how to brush, floss and care for their teeth. The day of free screenings was aimed at raising awareness about the importance of oral health for children.