Small Smiles of Atlanta Hosts Free Screenings for "Healthy Smile, Happy Child Day"

Small Smiles of Atlanta hosted "Healthy Smile, Happy Child Day" to celebrate Children's Dental Health Month. Watch the clip to see Dr. Edwards from Small Smiles of Atlanta offer a free screening to a child.

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.

Small Smiles of Greenville Sponsors Head Start Golf Tournament

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.

Small Smiles of Holyoke Participates in Healthy Kids Day

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

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.

USA Today: Many Americans Say They Forgo Routine Dental Care

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, Small Smiles 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"

Texas 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 families can gain access to the dental care they need.