Childrens Free Dental Clinic Incorporated

Children's Free Dental Clinic, Inc. "Miles of Smiles" travels from school to school to reach students that otherwise would not receive dental care. A large number of these students have never been to the dentist before, some have tooth aches, some have cavities and others have cavity free teeth but need the knowledge to keep them that way. Volunteer Dentists, Hygienists, Assistants and community members help to provide dental exams, cleanings, fluoride varnish applications, sealants and oral health instruction for each student. The students with cavities or that need teeth removed return to the clinic for treatment. When treatment is complete each child receives a Wellness Kit to take home that includes a toothbrush, toothpaste, floss and a brushing timer. Nearly 1500 students were treated last school year.

"Miles of Smiles" makes a difference for many children and you can too. Overall, oral health is improving in the schools. We continue to strive to expand and have the greatest impact to save children's teeth and prevent unnecessary dental visits so that they can remain in the classroom to learn.

Poverty exists where we least expect it. Experiences like this one keep volunteers volunteering, donors donating and educators continuing to find children that need the most help.

A boy, we will call him Johnny, came into the clinic with a consent form obtained by the help of his teacher, to have a dental exam. He sat patiently while having an exam, cleaning and fluoride treatment completed. Comments were made on how well he was dressed and how cute he was. He had a few cavities of concern but nothing too major, but his oral hygiene was horrible. It looked like he hadn’t brushed in weeks. He was given a mirror so he could see. He was shown what was growing in his mouth, lots of plaque that will eventually cause cavities and gum irritation. Instruction was given and cute little Johnny took it in stride. He smiled big with a proud smile when his cleaning was complete.  His
teeth and gums were smooth for the first time in a very long time.  When he was ready to leave he was asked, “so
when are you going to brush?” and he answered,” I would brush morning and night but we do not have water or toothbrushes in our car.”  Never in a million years would you have thought this little boy was homeless and living out of a car. A village of non-profits was clothing him, feeding him and now we were to supply water, toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss, Dixie cups and instruction on how you can brush your teeth without a bathroom sink. Dixie cups become your sink in the back seat of a car. He agreed he could do that and show his two younger siblings.  He carried out all his goodies and he was most proud of the purple toothbrush he picked out for his Mom. He would show her too! This unknowingly little boy changed a lot of us that day, we made a difference for him too!