Children's Access Dentistry

CDHP's Edelstein Tells Congress to Back Holistic Approach to Dental Care

2009-10-19T10:55:00.005-04:00

In recent testimony before the U.S. House Government Reform and Oversight Domestic Policy Subcommittee, Children's Dental Health Project (CDHP) Chairman Burt Edelstein advocated for continued work by Congress and the federal agencies to eradicate the "scourge" of childhood tooth decay.

"[We] can work together...by identifying those at greatest risk early in their lives, providing families with the tools to manage that risk, ensuring ready access for all children to comprehensive prevention-oriented dental care, and allocating our resources where the needs are greatest."

CDHP has been working to strengthen dental care for children in the U.S. since 1997. Click here to view Dr. Edelstein's full testimony.

FORBA, the nation's premiere dental practice management company focused on quality care for children from low-income families, is a proud supporter of CDHP and Dr. Edelstein's ongoing efforts to raise awareness and strengthen the resources available to combat the epidemic of poor oral health among the nation's underserved kids.

GAO Finds Dental Care Improvement in States, But Barriers Remain

2009-10-09T14:44:00.004-04:00

The GAO recently issued a report that examined how the states track the effectiveness of Medicaid dental care for children. The report recommends that CMS develop a plan to review dental services in states with low utilization rates and ensure that states share best practices nationwide.

The report also contained interesting data on children's dental care, including:

• CMS reports that dental utilization rates have improved since 2000 from a national average of 27 percent to 35 percent in 2007.

• Utilization rates remain low: only 1 state in 2007 reported a dental utilization rate among Medicaid kids above 50 percent.

• 12 states reported utilization rates below 30 percent.

• Fewer than half of all states reported undertaking initiatives to improve children's access to dental care.

• Nearly all states reported that the barriers contributing to low use of dental services in 2000 by Medicaid beneficiaries still exist today.

Clearly, more work needs to be done to improve children's dental care. The FORBA-associated network of Small Smiles dental centers will continue to work with states and communities to increase access to quality dental care for low-income children.

FORBA Appoints Dr. Anupama Tate to Pediatric Dental Advisory Board

2009-09-29T13:33:00.003-04:00

FORBA Holdings, the nation’s premiere dental practice management company focused on dental care for underserved communities, today announced that Dr. Anupama Rao Tate has joined their Pediatric Dental Advisory Board to help guide care and treatment initiatives across their nationwide network of associated dental centers.

“In 2007, we established our Pediatric Dental Board to help keep our dental centers at the forefront of new care initiatives and treatment standards,” said Michael Lindley, Chairman and CEO of FORBA. “In an effort to provide our patients with the high quality dental care they deserve at every visit, we have tapped the best and the brightest in the field of pediatric dentistry. Dr. Tate’s experience in dealing with pediatric tooth decay, and the associated health implications, will be of tremendous benefit to both the continuing education of our caregivers and to our patients.”

Dr. Tate is a recognized leader in the field of pediatric dentistry. Currently, she serves as the Director of Pediatric Dentistry at Children’s National Medical Center and as an Assistant Professor at The George Washington University.

In addition to her position at Children’s National in Washington, DC, Dr. Tate serves as an advisor to the American Association of Pediatric Dentistry’s Head Start Dental Home Initiative, and as an advisor to the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. In 2009, she was named to the board of the Mid-Atlantic P.A.N.D.A. organization, which seeks to prevent dental abuse and neglect through dental awareness.

“I am proud to join FORBA’s Pediatric Dental Advisory Board,” said Dr. Tate. “During my career as a pediatric dentist, I have worked to help educate parents and children about the importance of good oral health, especially in the low-income community. I look forward to working with caregivers across the country in an effort to help provide some of our nation’s most at-risk children with the dental care they need.”

According to the Surgeon General, chronic tooth decay is the most prevalent childhood disease in America, affecting five times more children than asthma. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that 68 percent of children have decay in their permanent teeth. According to the Government Accountability Office (GAO), only 25 percent of low-income children nationwide receive adequate dental care. As a result, tooth decay is twice as prevalent in children from low-income families as it is in children from more affluent households.

“Kids of all income levels deserve a great smile, but only one in four children in low-income communities today has access to a dentist,” said Lindley. “Last year, our associated caregivers treated more than 750,000 kids in more than 65 dental centers across the country. We believe that all children deserve a great smile and we will continue to invest in underserved communities in an effort to expand access to care.”

Dentistry IQ: Recession affects dental care for youth from low-income families

2009-07-31T10:22:00.005-04:00

In a new article featured in Dentistry IQ titled "Recession affects dental care for youth from low-income families", FORBA Chief Dental Officer, Dr. Steve Adair discusses the results of a recent survey which demonstrate that the recession is having a significant impact on dental care for many kids across the country.

The article states:

The national online poll surveyed 210 parents of young children in households with annual incomes of $35,000 or less. It revealed that one in five (20%) take their children to the dentist less than once a year, well below the American Dental Association’s recommendation of two annual check-ups. About 16% said their children are not insured, and more than 40% said their family receives government health assistance from programs, such as Medicaid and CHIP. Approximately 18% said they have trouble locating a dentist who will treat their children, a finding that reflects a national problem, Dr. Adair said.

“The numbers in the survey are not surprising given the overall challenge the nation faces with regard to dental care for low-income children,” [Dr. Adair] said. “The information reinforces what many of us suspected about the impact of the economy.

Adair goes on to say, "Through events such as health fairs and free dental screenings at schools and day care centers, Small Smiles helps spread the message about the need for establishing an oral health routine to their community,” he continued. “As a profession, we can do a better job educating parents and children of all socioeconomic levels about the importance of good oral health and their options for receiving the dental care that they need.”

To read the Dentistry IQ article, please click here.

To read more about the survey conducted by FORBA, please click here.

Survey: Recession Endangering Dental Health of American Children

2009-07-07T13:10:00.003-04:00

A recent survey of low-income parents has found that financial stress caused by the economic recession is forcing many families to choose between basic necessities such as food, transportation and housing, and routine dental care for their children – exacerbating an epidemic of poor dental health among children from underserved communities.

“There is an overwhelming need for dental care for economically-disadvantaged children across the country,” said Dr. Steven Adair, a faculty member of the Medical College of Georgia and Chief Dental Officer of FORBA, the nation’s largest dental practice management company focused on care for low-income kids. Adair oversees clinical and quality initiatives at FORBA’s nationwide associated network of Small Smiles dental centers.

For more information about the survey, please click here to read the press release.

Small Smiles of Greenville Sponsors Head Start Golf Tournament

2009-06-29T10:24:00.004-04:00

On June 20th, Small Smiles of Greenville, SC sponsored and participated in SHARE's 2nd Annual Golf Tournament.

SHARE, the Sunbelt Human Advancement Resources, Inc., is a private non-profit organization that provides a wide range of services to low and moderate-income residents in Anderson, Greenville, Oconee and Pickens counties. SHARE was chartered in 1966 and is headquartered in Greenville, SC. SHARE strives to help low-income individuals, families, and neighborhoods become self-sufficient.

Small Smiles of Greenville partners with SHARE to provide dental services to 90% of the pre-school children who SHARE assists.

In addition to sponsoring the tournament, teams from Small Smiles of Greenville also won 2nd and 3rd place!

Congratulations to the teams and to the dentists and staff in Greenville who are working with SHARE to teach children the importance of a dental routine at an early age.

FORBA's Steve Adair Addresses Soda Mouth Crisis in USA Today Letter to the Editor

2009-06-19T16:00:00.004-04:00

In a Letter to the Editor that appeared in USA Today on June 18, Dr. Steve Adair, Chief Dental Officer of FORBA, highlights the problems associated with soda consumption by children. Dr. Adair's letter, written in response to an article on a potential soda tax which is being considered by Congress and the Administration to help pay for health care reform, states:

"USA TODAY's coverage of a potential soda tax highlights the link between soda consumption and obesity, but there is another soda-driven health problem that is just as prevalent: tooth decay among children ("Pour on taxes, pour on change?," Life, Monday).

Tooth decay affects five times more children than asthma and is the most common chronic childhood disease; 80% of tooth decay among American kids is found in just 25% of all children, a majority of whom come from low-income families. Additionally, children with untreated tooth decay are more likely to have chronic pain and problems eating and sleeping.

This epidemic is driven in part by sugared soda consumption and other unhealthy habits children learn at home, but more needs to be done in communities as well. Nationwide, only about 30% of low-income children receive adequate dental care.

Whether a tax would reduce soda consumption is debatable, but what is certain is that parents and children need to be aware of the risks. Through education and expanded care access, we can help ensure that our nation's children grow up with healthy smiles."

To read the letter on USA Today's website, please click here.

Small Smiles of Roanoke Helps Children Learn to Read

2009-05-21T14:43:00.004-04:00

Small Smiles of Roanoke is pleased to be partnering with Smart Beginnings of Roanoke and the United Way to help children in the area learn to read.

Smart Beginnings works with you children to prepare them to enter the classroom. The United Way is also participating in the program has dontated books to help encourage children to read at home.

Small Smiles of Roanoke is pleased to be distributing books from the program to their patients. Office Manager Mandy Dilley reports, "The children are excited to get a book of their own that they can take home."

Acid Reflux in Children Linked to Dental Health

2009-05-11T09:31:00.002-04:00

Dentists such as those at Small Smiles dental centers and other caregivers who regularly treat children are aware that a variety of factors can impact a child's dental health. It is also important for parents to be familiar with health issues that could impact their children.

News today from the University of California says that children who have symptoms of chronic acid reflux are significantly more likely to have dental erosions than those without reflux symptoms, according to a new study.

The study, which is the first to examine the relationship between acid reflux and dental health in pediatric patients, was presented today, May 4, 2009, at the Pediatric Academic Societies annual meeting in Baltimore, Md.

The research is also among the first to find a conclusive link between chronic acid reflux and dental erosions in any age group, as previous studies have produced inconsistent results, according to Melvin Heyman, MD, chief of pediatric gastroenterology, hepatology and nutrition at UC San Francisco's Children’s Hospital and the study’s senior author.

“These findings demonstrate that we really need to start looking for dental erosions in pediatric patients with chronic acid reflux and integrate proper dental care into their treatment regimens,” Heyman said.

FORBA and the associated network of Small Smiles dental clinics recommends that parents talk to their child's dentist about a variety of health issues to help safeguard lifelong dental health.

Small Smiles of Holyoke Participates in Healthy Kids Day

2009-05-05T13:45:00.004-04:00

Earlier this month, Small Smiles of Holyoke participated in the Healthy Kids Day at the Greater Holyoke YMCA.

The "Put Play In Your Day" event featured games and activities for children and their families. The event also featured short fitness demonstrations to help children and their parents live more active lifestyles.

Small Smiles of Holyoke was proud to be included in the event. Having a healthy smile plays an important role in a child's overall health. At the event, Small Smiles caregivers demonstrated the sugar content of popular beverages and explained how these beverages can have a negative impact on dental health.

Small Smiles Dental Center is committed to keeping the children of Holyoke healthy. To read more about the event, please click here.

Layoffs, High Costs Make Many Put Off Dental Care

2009-04-29T16:04:00.005-04:00

The Ventura County Star recently published an article titled "Layoffs, high costs make many put off dental care."

The article illustrates the choices that many Americans face in difficult economic times when it comes to health care.

"“I’m grinding my teeth,” said the 66-year-old Ventura woman. “And I need to have a teeth cleaning.”

But she figures the thing “whizzing around” in the engine of her 2004 Toyota Matrix is more pressing, so the teeth are going to have to wait."

While many people are forced to make difficult decisions, putting off dental care should not be one of them, especially for children. At Small Smiles, we work every day to expand access to dental care for those who need it most.

Small Smiles of Youngstown Featured in Office Hours Magazine

2009-04-20T16:17:00.004-04:00

Small Smiles of Youngstown is featured in the most recent edition of Office Hours Magazine.

The article discusses the need for dental care among the low income population and the extra steps that caregivers at Small Smiles take to make children and parents comfortable during their visit.

“We are set up specifically to provide care for underprivileged children in our area,” said Dr. Whitney Moore, lead dentist at the Youngstown Small Smiles. “Children and their parents find a comforting and professional environment that is focused on providing the best possible care for children who may be taking their first steps toward life-long dental health.”

To view the article, click here.

Small Smiles of Roanoke Sponsors Easter Bunny at Tanglewood Mall

2009-03-24T09:36:00.004-04:00

Beginning on Saturday, March 28, the Easter Bunny will be appearing at Tanglewood Mall in Roanoke, VA.

Small Smiles, in coordination First Baptist Church Roanoke and Tanglewood Mall, will sponsor a “Wake Up with the Bunny” breakfast at 9:30am on Saturday, March 28. Breakfast will be provided by Chick-fil-A for each registered child, ages 10 and under, and a parent or guardian. Following the breakfast, there will be activities for the children including crafts and games, and face-painting.

Space is very limited, so parents should call to register today! To register, please call Customer Service at (540) 989-4388.

The Easter Bunny will be at Tanglewood Mall for visits and pictures with children through Saturday, April 11th.

To read more about the event, please click here.

USA Today: Many Americans Say They Forgo Routine Dental Care

2009-03-17T14:09:00.004-04:00

Recently, USA Today ran a story titled, "Many Americans Say They Forgo Routine Dental Care." According to a recent Gallup-Healthways poll, more than 34% of Americans did not visit a dentist last year. Furthermore, the poll indicated that over half of those polled who made less than $2,000 a month skipped regular visits. Nicholas Mosca, Director of the Office of Oral Health with the Mississippi State Department of Health said:

"Studies show there is a widespread ignorance in the state about the importance of good oral health - that without treatment, over time oral health diseases can lead to serious health problems. Only 54% of the state's public water supplies have water fluoridation programs."

During times when there is increased pressure on budgets and families are losing their insurance coverage, FORBA-associated dental centers provide a place for parents to get high-quality, cost-sensitive dental care for their families.

Texas Smiles Hosts "Healthy Smile, Happy Child Day"

2009-03-06T22:25:00.003-05:00

Texas Smiles, and other FORBA-associated dental centers like Small Smiles, recently hosted "Healthy Smile, Happy Child Day" to commemorate National Children's Dental Health Month.

In this clip, lead dental assistant, Jennifer Gamboa, discusses the free screenings and how FORBA-associated dental centers can help families gain access to the dental care they need.

Tour a Small Smiles Dental Center and Meet Our Dentists

2009-03-06T20:04:00.004-05:00

Welcome to Small Smiles!

Join us for a tour of our modern dental center designed with kids in mind. Dr. Toni Adderley, lead dentist at Small Smiles of Washington, D.C., takes you on a tour of our facility, while Dr. Steven Adair, Chief Dental Officer, explains the need for dental care in underserved populations.

To see the video, visit the Small Smiles homepage.

FORBA-Associated Dental Centers Provided Free Screenings to 8,000 Children During Dental Health Month

2009-03-06T16:36:00.003-05:00

Nashville, TN – FORBA Dental Management, the nation’s largest dental practice management company focused on high-quality dental care for underserved communities, today announced that caregivers at its associated dental centers provided free dental health screenings last month to more than 8,000 kids nationwide as part of its “Healthy Smile, Happy Child” campaign.

“We are proud of the nationwide efforts of these caregivers during Dental Health Month,” said FORBA Chief Dental Officer Dr. Steven Adair. “The number of free screenings performed last month underscores not only our commitment to children’s oral health, but also the overwhelming need for the care in underserved communities.”

According to the Surgeon General, chronic tooth decay is the most prevalent childhood disease in America, affecting five times more children than asthma. According to the Government Accountability Office (GAO) only 25 percent of low-income children nationwide receive adequate dental care. As a result, tooth decay is twice as prevalent in children from low-income families as it is in children from more affluent households.

Each year FORBA-associated dental centers treat nearly one million children -- from “first tooth” to 20 years old -- at 68 dental centers in 22 states and the District of Columbia.

Small Smiles of Denver Offers Free Dental Screenings

2009-03-06T15:21:00.005-05:00

Small Smiles Dental Center of Denver recently opened its doors to underserved kids in the Denver-metro area to celebrate "Healthy Smile, Happy Child Day."

In the clip, Dr. Minh Thai discusses how Small Smiles goes the extra mile to help children feel safe and comfortable when visiting the dentist.

For more information on Small Smiles, please click here.

Pueblo Chieftain: Small Smiles Dentist Addresses Need for Dental Health Care for Kids

2009-03-06T08:54:00.008-05:00

Last week, the Pueblo Chieftain ran an op/ed from Small Smiles dentist, Dr. Randall Ellis.

The op/ed is aimed at raising the awareness of the importance of dental health during Children's Dental Health Month.

Randall writes, "As a dentist at Small Smiles of Pueblo, I spend my days examining children’s teeth, and what I find is not always the picture of good health. All too often I see children with advanced tooth decay, many of whom are in severe pain. Nationwide, dental caries, or tooth decay, is the single most prevalent childhood disease. In fact, the U.S. Surgeon General has called tooth decay the “silent epidemic.” But there is good news – tooth decay is also highly preventable."

For more information on proper brushing and flossing techniques, please click here.

4 Million New Kids Eligible for Dental Care Under SCHIP

2009-02-13T13:41:00.007-05:00

The President this week signed new legislation that will cover an additional 4 million kids under the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), bringing to a total of 11 million the number of uninsured children eligible for coverage.

The measure includes a requirement that states cover dental care under SCHIP, and allows states to provide dental coverage as a supplement to private insurance.

This is a huge step in the right direction for the millions of low-income children who experience a disproportionate share of tooth decay and dental disease in America.

FORBA-affiliated dental centers are among the few dental providers that are specifically focused on providing care for SCHIP and Medicaid children. In fact, fewer than 1 in 4 dentists nationwide will treat children on Medicaid.

For a summary of the SCHIP bill that was signed into law this week, see the Kaiser Foundation report about the great news for America's kids.

Small Smiles Caregivers Volunteer for Spartanburg Kids

2009-02-09T11:41:00.003-05:00

The Spartanburg Herald-Journal covered the great work of Small Smiles dentist Dr. Lenora Covington, who volunteered alongside other caregivers for a day of free care for underserved kids in Spartanburg:

Dentists volunteer time for 'Give Kids a Smile Day'
Dentists give exams, treat needy

By Dudley Brown
Feb. 7, 2009

Shelby-Ryan Scott left the dentist's chair with a big sticker and a little pink treasure box for storing the baby tooth that she lost.

She smiled as she hugged her mother and made a declaration.

"I ain't scared of no dentist," said Shelby-Ryan, 7.

She was one of 56 children participating in Healthy Smiles of Spartanburg's Give Kids a Smile Day. She left with the attitude that the free dental clinic would like kids to have.

Healthy Smiles treats children and teens who aren't eligible for Medicaid. It has weekly clinics on Fridays and Saturdays at Spartanburg Community College. Give Kids a Smile Day is an opportunity to bring a group of dentists together to volunteer their services. It's a partnership with the Spartanburg County Dental Association and Spartanburg Community College.

Seven dentists volunteered Friday, including Dr. Lenora Covington of Small Smiles, a dental clinic that treats children eligible for Medicaid.

"We're letting the community know we're there for them," Covington said. "There are a lot of children that fall through the cracks who don't qualify for Medicaid."

Dr. Jack Keith, a retired orthopedic surgeon, started Healthy Smiles, which began serving children two years ago. Keith said a study was conducted five years ago that found almost 10,000 children in the county needed dental care.

"We don't have any idea of what it is now, but I don't think it's decreased any," Keith said.

Some of the children treated Friday were visiting a dentist for the first time. Keith said dentists spend a minimum of 30 minutes with each child and that they take time to treat and look for any problems because it could be awhile before a child sees a dentist again.

Dr. David Dedmon said the first child he saw Friday received treatment that would normally cost $1,000. He and other dentists noted some of the problems they treated so they could share the information with county, state and national dental associations.

Last year, the clinic served 425 children. This year's goal is to treat 700.

"It's the most common reason for a child to miss school - an achy tooth or an abscessed tooth," Keith said.

Children are referred to Healthy Smiles through schools. Small busloads of children are brought to the clinic on Fridays. Keith said the kids receive dental services and are taught good oral hygiene.

Dentists volunteer their services, and occasionally, the clinic pays to have children treated.

Cindy Roddey, executive director of Healthy Smiles, said four dentists regularly volunteer with the program.

"If we could have every dentist in the county giving us five hours a year, we could triple the number of children we see," Roddey said.

FORBA Gives Youngstown Kids a Reason to Smile

2009-02-09T10:37:00.003-05:00

On "Give Kids A Smile Day," Small Smiles partnered with other local providers to provide free screening and treatment to 200 kids from low-income communities in the Youngstown area. The full story, covered by The Youngstown Vindicator:

For a high percentage of the youths, it was the first time sitting in a dentist’s chair.

Feb. 7, YOUNGSTOWN, OH — Local dentists and dental hygienists provided some 200 under-served area schoolchildren, from preschool through the eighth grade, with dental examinations and treatment this week.

The program, Give Kids A Smile!, is under the auspices of the American Dental Association, and locally through the Corydon Palmer Dental Society.

Kids were bused all week to the Choffin Career & Technical Center’s dental assisting program; and to Youngstown State University’s dental hygiene program and Small Smiles Dental Clinic on Friday, which was National Give Kids A Smile! day.

For a high percentage of the kids, it was the first time sitting in a dentist’s chair, said Paula Oliver, program director for the Choffin dental assisting program. While Choffin is part of Youngstown schools, the dental assisting program is an adult education program, one of just three in Ohio that is accredited, Oliver said.

The children also received free tooth brushes and dental floss and made teeth identification imprints that were given to their schools, she said.

Children this young shouldn’t have cavities, with flouride in the water, said Dr. Steven Watts, who another volunteer dentist, Dr. Paul Bertolasio, said is the push behind the local program.

Watts’ private practice is in Howland, and Bertolasio’s in Girard.

From a treatment perspective, the children receive examinations, teeth cleaning, sealant to prevent cavities, and even fillings when necessary. There is also an education component, Oliver said.

The problem is, said Dr. Watts, that children are drinking too much bottled water, most of which does not contain flouride, and too much pop, especially dark colas, which contain phosphoric acid, which he said is hard on teeth.

The damage from phosphoric acid can be lessened by using a straw, which keeps less of the acid from touching the teeth, he said.

“I like to help kids,” said Dr. Bertolasio, who said he also does free work for first- and fifth-graders at Girard City Schools and St. Rose School in Girard, and talks to kids about dental care in the Giant Eagle Eagles Nests while their parents are shopping.

Also helping Friday were students of the Choffin nine-month dental assisting program, such as Julie Mohorick of Warren and Ashley Altomare of Leetonia.

There is a special component of the program this year, in which 10 to 20 families will be picked based on the children with the highest number of cavities, to all receive free dental examinations, teeth cleaning and dental care education, Oliver said.

“We’ll follow the families for a year and do any restorative work they need,” Dr. Watts said.

Small Smiles of Springfield, Mass. Gives Back

2008-12-17T15:04:00.002-05:00

This holiday season, many of our dental centers are going the extra mile to help children and families in need.

Small Smiles Dental Center of Springfield, Mass. recently donated a decorated Christmas tree to the Springfield Boys and Girls Club Festival of Trees.

The presents under the tree were donated by employees, doctors and sponsors.

The tree, adorned with the Small Smiles characters and toothbrush ornaments, will be one of 106 trees that will be raffled off to a lucky family in the community.

To read a story about the Festival of Trees that appeared in The Republican, please click here.

FORBA Appoints Allison Luke as Vice President, Compliance

2008-12-16T12:31:00.003-05:00

FORBA recently announced that Allison Luke has joined FORBA as Senior Vice President, Compliance.

Luke will lead initiatives designed to ensure that FORBA-affiliated dental centers continue to comply with applicable federal and state laws and regulations while delivering high-quality essential services to low-income children.

Prior to joining our team, Luke was employed at Healthcare Integrity Services, LLC, of Atlanta, Georgia, a healthcare consulting company that provides compliance services to hospitals, home health agencies, physician groups, rehabilitation providers, nursing homes, hospices and third-party billing companies across the southeastern United States. Her 18 years of experience include expertise in Medicaid and Medicare payment rules, corporate compliance, quality of care issues, HIPAA confidentiality, medical staff credentialing, managed care and professional licensing laws.

Previously, Luke was Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer of CareSouth Health System in Georgia, where she tailored and implemented a comprehensive compliance program. Luke also served as Regulatory and Legislative Counsel to the 170-member Georgia Hospital Association.

Luke is a member of the American Health Lawyers Association, the Health Care Compliance Association, the State Bar of Georgia, the Health Law Section of the State Bar of Georgia, the Georgia Academy of Healthcare Attorneys, and the GHA Compliance Officers Roundtable. She was also hospital representative to the Georgia Task Force on AIDS from 1995-2000, and is a former board member of the National Mental Health Association of Georgia. Luke is a graduate of the College of Charleston and holds a Juris Doctor from the University of Georgia School of Law.

Small Smiles of Louisville Hosts Open House

2008-11-21T10:28:00.004-05:00

Recently, Small Smiles of Louisville hosted an open house for community leaders, elected officials and health care professionals in the Louisville-area.

This year, Small Smiles of Louisville will see almost 10,000 children in the Louisville-area.

Dr. Melanie Abrams, co-Lead Dentist at the Louisville facility, said, “At Small Smiles, we believe that children from low-income families deserve the same quality of dental care as those in affluent communities. We are proud of our commitment to children’s dental health and we look forward to contributing to the life-long oral health of the area’s kids.”