Webster County Public Health’s I-Smile program partnered with The Dental Center of North Iowa recently to provide necessary dental care to youth in the Wright County area.
According to Cindy Partlow, I-Smile coordinator, the busy dental day provided free services to 14 children identified in the Clarion-Goldfield-Dows and Eagle Grove school districts. Thirty-six fillings were placed and nine baby teeth were extracted due to infection or cavities, along with routine dental exams. The services were provided at no charge to the students by Dr. Eric Barnes and the Dental Center of North Iowa, but would have totaled $11,698 if not for the I-Smile program.
“Some families have a very difficult time accessing dental care for their children,” said Partlow. “Dental care is costly and uninsured or under-insured families cannot afford the care their children need. Very few dentists are accepting Medicaid enrolled children as new patients.”
The Dental Center of North Iowa provided dental services at no charge to identified children in Wright County. The children were identified through the I-Smile At School Dental Sealant Program.
“In working closely with the school nurses, transportation, necessary information and documentation were obtained which allowed us the opportunity to provide these important services to these children,” said Partlow.
Dr. Barnes and his dental staff donated their services for the day. Barnes said he hopes that his clinic’s service will help to inspire other dental providers in north central Iowa to do the same for children in their communities.
“As a dentist, our best gift we can give back is our highest skill,” said Barnes. “High-risk children can’t get access and there really are no other options. Someone has to step up and help these kids. A dental office needs to jump in and donate services to these children in need.”
According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, dental care is the most prevalent infectious disease in children. Poor oral health can affect children and young people’s ability to sleep, eat, speak, play, and socialize with other children. When children have a toothache or need treatment, children often miss school and parents have to take time off of work. Oral health is an integral part of overall health, which affects children’s ability to learn, thrive, and develop. Webster County Public Health’s I-Smile program makes dental care available to youth throughout the region.
