ABOUT THE CHILDREN’S FREE DENTAL CLINIC
The Children’s Free Dental Clinic Mobile Dental Van Program is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide comprehensive preventive care to emergency and preventative dentistry to indigent elementary school children in a safe, pleasant environment while also introducing a positive dental and oral health experience to last a lifetime.
CFDC operates as part of a consortium with the Boise School District and local dentists. The District has provided free dental care to needy students since 1968 in a two-unit fixed dental clinic located at Fort Boise Middle School. Dentists and dental specialists in the community volunteer their services at the clinic, with the School District providing the space, logistical support, and an on-site coordinator. The clinic does not accept any private payment for services or federal or state funding. In 2005, two dentist members of the consortium established the Children’s Free Dental Clinic as a separate nonprofit organization, enabling the group to more easily purchase a mobile dental van that would expand the current CFDC program to other schools. The Miles of Smiles Dental Van Program now works in conjunction with the Boise School District’s fixed Dental Clinic at Whitney Elementary to bring a more comprehensive oral health program to children in need.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The goal of the Miles of Smiles Dental Van Program is to provide free dental care for disadvantaged elementary school-age children in the Boise area – children whose parents work hard, but cannot afford dental care and are often ineligible for public health programs. During its first year of operation (2007-2008), the van will service three to five targeted schools in the Boise School District-those with the highest percentage of children eligible for the Free and Reduced Lunch Program. After its initial year, the program will eventually reach twelve high-need schools.
Children in the second and sixth grades who qualify for the program and have parental consent are provided free preventive services. Time is allocated during school hours to visit the second and sixth grade classrooms and talk with the children about the program.
After presenting the children with the information, teachers and children are invited to view the inside of the van and are shown how the dental equipment operates. This sneak preview helps to alleviate some of the children’s dental apprehension when they return for dental services.
The majority of children treated in the Miles of Smiles Dental Van Program have not seen a dentist or dental hygienist on a regular basis-some have never been to a dentist at all. The emphasis of care is on preventive services: performing comprehensive dental exams, dental cleanings, placing sealants and varnishes, providing oral hygiene instruction and teaching children the importance of good oral health. Practitioners review a health and medical history on each child and a record of treatment is permanently entered into the computer system. While most work can be completed in the van, some children in need of comprehensive restorative care (fillings) are referred to the clinic at Fort Boise Middle School for treatment.
PROGRAM GOAL
The goal of the Children’s Free Dental Clinic Mobile Dental Van Program is to provide early intervention of preventative services such as oral health education, dental cleanings, fluoride treatments, varnishes, and sealants for children to reduce the rate of tooth decay, while increasing their awareness of the importance of proper oral health. The Miles of Smiles Dental Van will be utilized at selected schools to provide these services to children who might not otherwise have access to quality dental care and preventative services.
