Harnett Smiles is a community health organization that aims to increase the oral health of uninsured children. This is done through community health dental service initiatives focused on pairing needy children and local dental providers to establish dental homes, and educational/research activities aimed at training new pediatric healthcare professionals who are knowledgeable and proficient in preventive oral health screenings for young children. The organization is a collaborative effort between the Campbell University College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences, High House Pediatric Dentistry, Dentalworks Pediatric Dentistry of Fayetteville, NC Dental Society- Missions of Mercy, the Harnett County Public Health Department, and NC Oral Health.
Signature Programs and Activities:
Harnett Smiles is an organization focused on increasing access to dental care for uninsured children in Harnett County, and surrounding rural areas. Our proposed solution is to organize existing dental health service efforts into a “dental pipeline”, that allows uninsured children with dental needs to be identified, be given an exam, cleaning, fluoride varnish, and sealants, and then “adopted” by local dental providers who have made a commitment to provide an affordable solution for families that have demonstrated a commitment to improving their children’s oral health.
Our flagship event, entitled “Give Harnett Kids A Smile” (GHKAS), served as a pilot to test the effectiveness of this “dental pipeline”. GHKAS 2013 served 91 uninsured children. Dentists and Physician Assistants administered medical and dental screenings/exams, dental cleanings, fluoride, and dental sealants (253 in all), valued at over $60,000, with an estimated cost savings of at least $316,000. Afterwards, 9 patients with significant dental needs were “adopted” by Dr. Tseng at High House Pediatric Dentistry. $9000 of additional dental work was rendered. Afterwards, all 9 patients elected to establish a long term “dental home”, to obtain continuity of care for their children. All patients have reported back for their 6 month recalls, and all children continue to maintain a mouth free of dental caries. Significant decay, a lack of finances, and the absence of early preventive dental sealants are all factors that contribute to poor oral health. Our solution addresses all of these concerns, and creates a pathway to a future free of dental caries.