Children's Access Dentistry

Small Smiles of Myrtle Beach Offer Free Dental Screenings to Celebration Children's Dental Health Month

2012-02-06T10:30:00.003-05:00

Small Smiles of Myrtle Beach offered free dental screenings to local kids last week in recognition of Children's Dental Health Month.

NBC in Myrtle Beach came out to the free screenings and a story appeared on their evening news. Watch the story here!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-28T11:51:00.005-05:00

Small Smiles of Oxon Hill helped make a family's Thanksgiving even more special this year by collecting and donating all of the trimmings for their holiday meal!

Dr. Sweta Announces Grand Opening of New Hartford Small Smiles Dental Center

2011-10-14T13:56:00.005-04:00

Earlier this week, Dr. Sweta appeared on Better Connecticut to announce the grand opening of the new Small Smiles Family Dentistry in Hartford, CT.

Watch the video to hear what Dr. Sweta had to say!

Sports Drinks Can Be Harmful To Children's Teeth

2011-09-20T10:18:00.006-04:00

Recently, Dr. James Mann from Small Smiles of Reno appeared on TV to discuss the harmful effects that sports drinks can have on children's teeth.

He advised that when its hot outside or children are playing sports, re-hydrating with water is the best option. To learn more, watch the video clip.

Greenville JAMZ Festival

2011-08-18T11:53:00.007-04:00

Recently, Small Smiles of Greenville participated in the Greenville Jamz Festival. It was a summer celebration filled with friends, activities and toothbrushes for everyone!

DJ Z joined Small Smiles of Greenville's staff to help teach kids and parents about the importance of a good oral health routine.

Wild Smiles Takes Toothbrushes to the Philippines!

2011-08-11T13:33:00.008-04:00

Earlier this summer, an employee from Wild Smiles in Houston went on a mission trip to the Philippines. There, she visited with local school children and taught them the importance of a good oral health routine. She also gave them each their own toothbrush so that they could continue the routine after she left.

Small Smiles Donates Toothbrushes to Uganda Mission Trip

2011-08-09T11:13:00.002-04:00

Recently, Small Smiles of Roselawn donated toothbrushes to a local community organization who was traveling on an aid trip to Uganda.

In a note to the center, the mission's leader writes "The children were so excited to learn how to brush their teeth for the first time! As we were leaving we spotted children running to the bathroom to brush for a second time."

Small Smiles is proud to support good oral health practices the world around!

It's Hot Outside -- Drinking Water Will Keep Your Child Hydrated and Their Teeth Healthy

2011-07-22T11:58:00.004-04:00

Check out this article in Dentistry IQ about the warning that CSHM-associated dentists issued to parents regarding sports and energy drinks.

With temperatures soaring across the country, it is important to keep kids who are playing outdoors hydrated. But, with more and more parents and caregivers turning to sports and energy drinks, parents should be aware of the risks associated with these drinks. Sports and energy drinks often contain citric acid -- a highly erosive ingredient that can eat away at tooth enamel. The risks of these drinks were recently highlighted in a study published in the June issue of the American Academy of Pediatrics Journal, Pediatrics.

“As children of all ages engage in outdoor activities during the summer, there is a growing tendency toward the consumption of sports and energy drinks instead of water,” said Dr. Steve Adair, Chief Dental Officer at Church Street Health Management. “The Academy’s advice to parents on this issue is clear. Encourage your kids to drink water instead of acidic, high-carb drinks that may increase the risk of tooth decay.”

The report stated that dental erosion from sports and energy drinks are “of concern” in children and adolescents, and pointed to a common ingredient – citric acid – that is “highly erosive” because it continues to eat away at tooth enamel even after a drink containing citric acid has been consumed.

Among the AAP’s recommendations were the following:

• That parents should be informed that routine ingestion of carbohydrate-containing sports drinks by children and adolescents should be avoided or restricted.

• Awareness should be raised among children, parents and educators that sports drink intake can lead to excessive caloric consumption and an increased risk of obesity and dental erosion.

• Water, not sports or energy drinks, should be aggressively promoted as the principal source of hydration for children and adolescents.

How to Keep Kids Teeth Healthy

2011-07-12T15:01:00.004-04:00

An article in the Los Angeles Times, with insights from the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, discusses how to keep your child's teeth healthy.

With kids home for the summer, now is a good time to establish dental routines like brushing twice a day, flossing and scheduling regular visits to the dentist.

Visit the link to read more about how you can keep your child's teeth healthy at home and be sure to schedule an appointment for a check-up with your child's dentist.

Worcester Dental Office Offers Needed Services

2011-06-28T09:43:00.004-04:00

When 8-year-old Zulanihs Huertas walked into Straight Smiles, she said she wasn’t scared and she thought the clinic “was pretty cool.”

After her dental scan, she picked out a toy folding fan for herself and one for her sister.

Zulanihs was among the children and their parents who attended the opening this week of Straight Smiles, an orthodontics clinic at 388 Park Ave. that serves those on the MassHealth health care plan. The clinic specializes in care of children’s teeth and is an offshoot of Small Smiles, a dental clinic for children in the Worcester area.

Free dental screenings were provided during the Straight Smiles grand opening.

“We focus our care on children who are uninsured and come from low-income families. We accept patients who do not have insurance as well as those who are on MassHealth,” said Dr. Angeline Y. Chan, lead orthodontist at Straight Smiles.

Lower-income and uninsured children often don’t get access to the care they need, said Dr. Chan. But the number of dentists and orthodontists in the Massachusetts Dental Society who accept patients who are uninsured or on MassHealth has risen in recent years. As of May, the MDS had 1,305 dentists accepting patients with MassHealth. Last year, the MDS had 1,254 members participating in MassHealth.

Within the Worcester district, 141 members, or 42 percent, accept patients with MassHealth, according to Scott G. Davis, chief communications officer of the Massachusetts Dental Society. “We’ve been able to nearly double the number of MassHealth dental providers statewide over the past few years as a result of the MDS’ active recruitment efforts,” said Mr. Davis.

MassHealth, which provides health insurance to more than 1 million people in Massachusetts, is a necessity, according to state Sen. Harriette L. Chandler, D-Worcester. Many low-income or uninsured children rely on the program for oral care, she said.

“If we don’t provide oral health for a child at an early age, all kinds of problems can begin. The mouth is the window to the rest of the body,” Ms. Chandler said.

According to Dr. Chan, Zulanihs had a loose tooth and small signs of a posterior cross bite. Although she was not ready for braces, interceptive treatment would widen the upper arch of her palette, said Dr. Chan.

“If this wasn’t found or not acted upon, it could result in trauma as well as recession of her lower anterior teeth,” she said.

Some procedures performed at Straight Smiles include being fitted for braces as well as treating impacted teeth. Dr. Chan said the clinic would not be able to treat cases of a cleft lip or cleft palate because of their complicated nature.

Dr. Kevin M. Reilly, senior vice president of operations at Straight Smiles, said Straight Smiles was created because of space problems at Small Smiles, which was serving about 80 children a day. Straight Smiles handles the orthodontic-based work that was once done at Small Smiles.

Regular Dental Visits Can Prevent Tooth Decay, Emergency Room Visits

2011-05-16T15:21:00.002-04:00

A recent article in The Journal of Evidenced-Based Dental Practice points to the high costs associated with emergency room visits caused by tooth decay among our nation’s children.

Despite the fact that tooth decay is preventable through proper oral hygiene and a healthy diet, one study found that in the course of one year more than more than 165,000 children landed in the emergency room due to this condition. The costs associated with this phenomenon are staggering — at least $55 million per year. Most visits occurred among the uninsured, and Medicaid was the most common payer for cases involving children, at a cost of about $300 per child.

Needless to say, prevention is less painful and expensive than an emergency room visit to treat a severe case of tooth decay. For organizations like Small Smiles that treat children on Medicaid, the cost is much lower — and it helps overall that opportunities arise daily in Small Smiles dental centers to educate parents and children about proper care.

That’s why dental professionals who serve low-income communities should continue to stress the importance of healthy habits at home and regular visits to the dentist’s office. This course will continue to ease the pressure on the nation’s emergency rooms, keep health care costs down and ensure that dental problems for children never get so severe that they wind up in the ER.

Access to caregivers who serve kids on Medicaid is another issue highlighted by this study. Given that Medicaid is only accepted by 25% of all dentists nationwide, some families may feel they have no other choice than to visit the emergency room. Making families aware of the providers that do accept Medicaid should be a health care priority for the dental profession and our communities as well.

Dr. Edwards from Small Smiles of Atlanta Discusses Dental Care for Kids on Good Day Atlanta

2011-01-27T09:43:00.003-05:00

Check out Dr. Amesha Edwards from Small Smiles of Atlanta discussing the importance of good oral health care for kids on Good Day Atlanta!

Getting Kids into Good Oral Hygiene: MyFoxATLANTA.com

Small Smiles of Washington, D.C. Celebrates Its Grand Opening

2010-12-14T09:24:00.003-05:00

Small Smiles of Washington, D.C. is proud to open its second center, located at 3946 Minnesota Avenue, NE.

In the photo, Dr. Presson and Dr. Sprott participate in a ribbon cutting with elected officials, community leaders and staff members to celebrate the grand opening.

Texas Smiles of San Antonio Celebrates Grand Opening!

2010-10-19T10:05:00.003-04:00

Earlier this month, Texas Smiles of San Antonio celebrated its grand opening.

The dental center offered free dental screenings for the community as well as tours and an open house for community leaders, community oral health partners and elected officials.

Rep. Jose Menendez and Councilman David Medina participated in a ribbon cutting with Dr. Yolanda, Dr. Bishoy and the Texas Smiles staff.

What Parents Are Saying: It's All Smiles!

2010-09-07T21:17:00.005-04:00

Parents and kids across the country are all smiles about their visit to FORBA-associated dental centers. Hear what they have to say!

“Dr. Katie and Ms. Angie are wonderful! They made this visit very pleasant for my son who is three… He was in no pain and was not scared due to their wonderful skills. Thank you!” Small Smiles of Colorado Springs, CO

“Staff was professional. Customer service was excellent and helpful with solving an insurance issue. My child was treated with gentle care and concern by all staff. Thank you.” Small Smiles of Springfield, MA

“The waiting area was set up for children to feel right at home. And the dentist’s attitude made my child feel reassured and he had a wonderful experience.” Oklahoma Smiles of Oklahoma City, OK

Small Smiles Employees in Baltimore Give Back to the Community!

2010-09-07T21:08:00.003-04:00

Since January, employees from Small Smiles of North Baltimore have been volunteering
at Sarah’s Hope. Sarah’s Hope is a shelter for homeless women and children on the west side of Baltimore. Housed in an old elementary school, Sarah’s Hope allows women and children to live together while they look for permanent housing.

The center provides hope for women who are struggling, but with limited means, there is only so much the center can do. The center has only one washer and dryer,
one TV, and a refrigerator that is only accessible by staff at meal times.

Once a month, the Small Smiles employees take time out of their busy schedules to purchase groceries, and prepare and serve a meal to the women and children of Sarah’s Hope.

Throughout the month, the Small Smiles staff also collects canned goods and baby products for the shelter. The staff at Small Smiles of North Baltimore calls their volunteer efforts “humbling” and are proud that the spirit of volunteerism has caught
on at their center.

We are proud of the FORBA-associated dental center employees at North Baltimore for making a difference in their community!

Albany Access Dentistry Hosts Free Dental Screenings!

2010-08-27T10:00:00.003-04:00

Recently, Albany Access Dentistry hosted free dental screenings for back-to-school. Watch this video to hear what Cora learned during her visit to the dentist!

Small Smiles Employees in Colorado Springs Help "Stuff the Bus"!

2010-08-06T14:51:00.004-04:00

Small Smiles employees in Colorado Springs helped area children prepare for Back-to-School by participating in the "Stuff the Bus" program! Small Smiles of Colorado Springs donated items such as toothbrushes, toothpaste and floss to help keep kids in Colorado smiling as they head back to the classroom!

Watch the clip!

Check out "Brush, Brush, Brush and Floss!" as performed by Kaiah Harris, a Small Smiles of Reno Patient

2010-08-04T16:20:00.002-04:00

Watch Kaiah perform "Brush, Brush, Brush and Floss!"

Dr. Adair Speaks to Dentistry IQ About Serving the Underserved

2010-06-30T13:21:00.004-04:00

Dr. Steve Adair recently spoke with Kevin Henry, editor of Dentistry IQ, about the importance of dental care for children -- and the role that parents play in ensuring their children have healthy smiles.

"In our FORBA clinics around the country, we daily see children come in with numerous cavities caused by diet, poor oral hygiene, lack of education about oral health, and more. All clinicians can do is try to keep up with the decay. If better care could be provided for the parents, I think it would turn the tide. Studies have shown that the children of mothers with untreated cavities are twice as likely to have untreated cavities. Mothers with regular dental care rated their health significantly higher than those who didn’t receive regular care. Another study has shown children are much more likely to visit the dentist if their parents visit the dentist regularly."

-- Dr. Steve Adair

Click here to read the article.

Small Smiles of Greenville Participates in Bright Red Bookshelf Program

2010-05-20T14:26:00.003-04:00

Recently, Small Smiles of Greenville, in partnership with Ready 4 Reading and Leadership Greenville, was the recipient of a "Bright Red Bookshelf."

The "Bright Red Bookshelf" program provides gently used books for children and families that visit the center for dental care. Statistics show that in low-income neighborhoods, only one book exists for every 300 children.

“Every day our dental center sees children from low-income and disadvantaged families,” said Dr. Cynthia Baldwin, Lead Dentist at Small Smiles of Greenville. “We work to ensure that Greenville’s children have access to the dental care that they need and are proud to welcome the Bright Red Bookshelf Program into our dental center. Providing access to books through the program will help promote literacy among our patients and in our community.”

Dr. Dogiparthi Named a Top Dentist in New Hampshire

2010-05-07T14:14:00.003-04:00

Recently, Dr. Mukunda Dogiparthi from Small Smiles of Manchester was named a top dentist in New Hampshire by USA Top Dentists and New Hampshire Magazine.

Congratulations to Dr. Dogiparthi and her staff at Small Smiles of Manchester for this tremendous accomplishment and for providing high-quality and compassionate care in their dental center every day.

Small Smiles Dentists Explain the Impact of Proposed MassHealth Dental Cuts

2010-05-05T11:40:00.003-04:00

From the Worcester Telegram & Gazette

MassHealth dental care helps many

As dentists who spend every day treating the low-income population in Massachusetts, we can attest to the impact that the MassHealth dental care cuts for adults, proposed by the Massachusetts House of Representatives, will have on the state’s long-term finances and the overall wellness of our most vulnerable populations.

Dental care isn’t just about having clean teeth. Regular trips to the dentist can help head off the additional costs and pain caused by other health problems such as poor nutrition and dangerous infections — conditions that also add additional strain to the state’s public health resources.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, African Americans, Latinos and Native Americans have the poorest oral health of all racial and ethnic groups in the United States. Adults below the federal poverty level are also more likely to have decayed and missing teeth. Cutting benefits will disproportionately impact the very people most in need of dental care.

Finding other forms of dental coverage is very difficult for this population. A 2008 report by the Kaiser Family Foundation found that 59 percent of low-income adults have no dental coverage, and more than one in six low-income adults who lack dental coverage reported being unable to get care.

Because people from low-income populations are more likely to have dental health problems and less likely to have access to care, it is vital for the Massachusetts House of Representatives to reverse its course and protect funding for MassHealth dental services.

Dr. Maureen George, Small Smiles of Worcester

Dr. Yogita Kanorwalla, Small Smiles of Springfield

Dr. Stovall Discusses the Need For Children's Oral Health

2010-04-26T14:01:00.008-04:00

Recently, Dr. Stovall from Small Smiles of Montgomery appeared on television to discuss the importance of children's oral health. Here what Dr. Stovall has to say about why its important to visit the dentist during the video clip!

FORBA Partners with Washington Nationals to Help "Bring A Smile to Haiti"

2010-04-21T09:17:00.003-04:00

FORBA, the nation’s largest dental practice management company focused on high-quality dental care for children in underserved communities, today announced that the company and its associated Small Smiles dental centers in the Washington, D.C. metro area will donate 1,000 child toothbrushes this month to the Washington Nationals “Bring A Smile To Haiti” earthquake relief program.

“We are proud to support the Washington Nationals ‘Bring a Smile to Haiti’ program,” said FORBA Chairman and CEO Michael G. Lindley. “Every day, we work to make a difference in the lives of the children we serve, and through this program we are able to promote the importance of dental care while making a tremendous impact on the lives of Haitians who need our help more than ever.”

“Through our partnership with Gifts In Kind International, we are able to make tangible donations that will help the people of Haiti stay healthy during their nation’s recovery,” said Nationals Community Relations Director Israel Negron. “The Nationals organization recognizes the great need for toothbrushes in Haiti, and we are thankful to FORBA and Small Smiles for their generous contributions.”

Every year the FORBA-associated dental centers treat more than 750,000 children -- from “first tooth” to 20 years old -- at 68 dental centers across the country. To learn more, visit www.forba.com or www.smallsmiles.com.

Small Smiles of Macon Hosts Free Dental Screenings

2010-02-12T13:58:00.003-05:00

Small Smiles of Macon recently hosted free dental screenings in recognition of Children's Dental Health Month. In the clip below, dental hygienist Rebecca Jackson discusses the importance of seeing a dentist.

Children "Say Cheese!" in Youngstown, Ohio!

2010-02-08T09:27:00.003-05:00

The Youngstown Vindicator recently ran an article entitled "Say Cheese!" The article shows how the caregivers at Small Smiles of Youngstown are helping to keep kids smiling in their community!

To read the article, please click here.

Small Smiles of Florence Offers Free Dental Screenings

2010-02-06T14:46:00.004-05:00

Dr. Medrina Gilliam, Lead Dentist of Small Smiles of Florence, appeared on NBC in Myrtle Beach to discuss her center's "Healthy Smile, Happy Child Day." Watch the clip to see what she says about the importance of oral health for children.

Children's Dental Clinic of Charleston Hosts Free Dental Screenings

2010-02-03T10:34:00.005-05:00

Children's Dental Clinic of Charleston hosted free dental screenings for Low Country children. To hear how Dr. Trish and the caregivers at Children's Dental Clinic are helping keep Charleston's children smiling, watch the clip!

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

2010-02-02T12:52:00.004-05:00

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.

FORBA Appoints Patient Advocate

2010-02-02T11:46:00.001-05:00

FORBA today announced that Angela Newberry has joined the company as Patient Advocate.

The company said that Newberry will act as an important liaison for dental center patients and their parents. The advocate receives comments and concerns from parents and helps ensure that parents are informed of the dental center’s care and quality initiatives. The Patient Advocate is also a key member of the FORBA compliance department and a member of FORBA’s compliance committee.

Newberry joins FORBA from Universal Health Services of Nashville where she was Tennessee Continuum Director and served on various policy committees established by the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services. Previously, Newberry was Director of Teen Trax and Assistant Administrator of the Rutherford County Teen Learning Center, where she supervised a juvenile probation program and court-ordered alternative school for at-risk students. Newberry’s experience also includes positions with student counseling groups and behavioral health services for teens.

Newberry is a member of the Health Care Compliance Association, and the American and Tennessee Bar associations. She holds a Juris Doctor from the Nashville School of Law and a Master of Science in clinical psychology from Murray State University in Kentucky.

The appointment of a Patient Advocate is the latest in a series of quality initiatives launched after FORBA’s ownership change in 2006. Since then, the company has appointed a Chief Dental Officer, Chief Compliance Officer and a four-member Pediatric Dental Advisory Board comprised of oral health experts from across the country.

Small Smiles of Atlanta and Dr. Steve Adair Featured on Good Day Atlanta

2010-02-01T15:51:00.005-05:00

To kick off National Children's Dental Health Month, Dr. Steve Adair appeared on Good Day Atlanta Xtra. Dr. Adair discussed the free screenings that were being held at Small Smiles of Atlanta and the importance of good dental health for children. To hear what Dr. Adair had to say, see the clip below!

Quality Initiatives Front & Center at FORBA and Small Smiles

2010-01-26T09:43:00.004-05:00

Since an ownership change in 2006, wide-ranging initiatives have been launched to ensure that FORBA-associated dental centers provide children with the highest quality dental care. While the following includes a snapshot of current and ongoing policies and improvements, FORBA continues to work with employees, its Pediatric Dental Advisory Board, independent experts in pediatric dentistry, and parents to identify new and innovative ways to monitor and improve care.

Initiatives to Ensure Quality Care

√ Chief Dental Officer. We created the position of Chief Dental Officer and hired Dr. Steven Adair, a nationally recognized expert in pediatric dentistry. Dr. Adair is a former professor of Pediatric Dentistry at the Medical College of Georgia. He is certified by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry; has served as editor-in-chief of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry Journal and is a member of the AAPD Board of Trustees. Dr. Adair is leading initiatives to ensure high-quality patient care; overseeing efforts to improve the care experience for children and parents at our dental centers nationwide; and is enhancing the educational component of a dental visit.

√ Pediatric Dental Advisory Board. We established a Pediatric Dental Advisory Board that assists our Chief Dental Officer and focuses on quality of care initiatives. The board members are:
• Dr. Joe Bernat, Chair, Department of Pediatric and Community Dentistry at the State University of New York-Buffalo School of Dental Medicine.
• Dr. Paul Casamassimo, Chair, Department of Pediatric Dentistry, The Ohio State University and Chief of Dentistry at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus.
• Dr. Arthur Nowak, Professor Emeritus, University of Iowa Colleges of Dentistry and Medicine.
• Dr. Anupama Tate, Director, Pediatric Dentistry, Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, D.C. and Assistant Professor at The George Washington University.

√ Clinical Guidelines. Formulated by our Chief Dental Officer and Pediatric Dental Advisory Board, our clinical guidelines were developed in accordance with the recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry with regard to treatment for high-risk populations.

√ Enhanced Training. We have undertaken several steps to ensure that Small Smiles Dentists and Assistants benefit from the latest training in pediatric dental care, including:

• Continuing Education. FORBA-associated dentists regularly attended continuing education courses to learn about the latest in treatment techniques and care. Our continuing education sessions offer the latest information and guidance on topics such as preventative dentistry, behavior management, trauma patients, and specific dental procedures.

• High-Risk Population Training. Dentists are required to take a four-part series of webinars, developed by pediatric dentists, on guidelines for treating the “high risk” pediatric dental population. The series covered topics such as correct oral hygiene instruction, risk assessment, treatment planning, guidelines for high quality dental care, continuity of care and compliance.

• Tuition Assistance. For dentists with more than two years of service, FORBA sponsors a competitive program to help support their education goals. Each year, we offer tuition assistance for up to three dentists who apply to a pediatric or orthodontic dental school program.

Ongoing Communication With Parents

√ Feedback and Communication with Parents. Several initiatives ensure that parents are involved with their child’s care, including:

• 800 Number. We established a feedback line -- 1-877-302-KIDS -- for parents to share experiences directly with the management company, and have posted the number in our dental centers. We investigate any concerns raised by parents and take appropriate action immediately.

• Parent Feedback. Parent satisfaction with care is monitored through comment cards and an automated survey system called NPS. We follow up on specific survey comments, as appropriate, and also analyze the survey results for each dental center and across the company to identify trends and opportunities to improve care company-wide.

• Patient Advocate. Our appointed patient advocate is an important liaison for dental center patients and their parents. The advocate receives comments and concerns from parents and in turn helps ensure that parents are informed of the dental center’s care and quality initiatives. The patient advocate is also a key member of the FORBA compliance department and a member of FORBA’s compliance committee.

• "Pledge to Patients, Families, and Communities." A pledge is clearly posted in our centers to ensure that Small Smiles’ practices and standards are clear and understood by parents and employees alike.

High Standards for Employees

√ Quality and Compliance Training. Employees are required to participate in orientation and training programs that ensure adherence to Quality Assurance Protocols and Compliance Guidelines across all FORBA-associated dental centers. FORBA’s quality assurance protocols address issues such as chart documentation, X-ray guidelines, treatment planning, time management, patient accompaniment, treatment time limits, same- day treatments and anesthesia. Protocols are examined through regular internal audits, and are reviewed by an independent organization and monitor.

√ Employee Code of Conduct. We require all employees to sign a new code of ethics and business conduct that emphasizes quality of care, professionalism and the duty of every employee to report any type of wrongdoing observed in the workplace.

√ Employee feedback. We provide employees with feedback cards and an employee hotline that enables us to quickly identify potential concerns.

These and other steps will help ensure that the children and parents who visit Small Smiles dental centers continue to have a positive experience that improves oral health.

Small Smiles Dentist Dr. Chase Dighton Named To Cleft Lip and Palate Team

2010-01-21T13:50:00.003-05:00

Dr. Chase Dighton, lead dentist at the Albuquerque Small Smiles Dental Center, was recently selected by Children’s Medical Services of New Mexico to act as lead dentist of the Children’s cleft palate repair team. Children’s Medical Services helps coordinate operations and treatment plans for cleft lip and palate repair for Medicaid patients. The team, comprised of a plastic surgeon, an oral surgeon, orthodontist, speech pathologist and a dentist, work to ensure that each child who undergoes a cleft palate operation receives comprehensive treatment.

Cleft lip and palates are birth defects that can have serious consequences for children, including misaligned teeth, problems gaining weight, slowed growth and development, as well as speech difficulties.

“I am honored to have been selected to be part of the cleft palate repair team by Children’s Medical Services,” says Dr. Dighton. “Through this important work and the care we provide at our dental center, we are helping to bring smiles to the children in New Mexico who need our help the most.”

Small Smiles Parents are Smiling!

2010-01-21T12:21:00.003-05:00

At Small Smiles, we welcome the feedback of our patients and their families. Here is what some parents had to say about their recent visit to our dental centers:

“My kids love Small Smiles. It’s the best dentist in Savannah. I love it because it’s very fast and the workers are very nice and [are] always smiling. We love it.”
Terri A., Savannah, GA

“I love the size of the lobby. [It’s] not cramped like so many doctors’ and dentists’ offices. The children had enough room to play and there were plenty of chairs.”
Anonymous, Dayton, OH

“You worked well with the babies and are good with them. You guys have been great with our kids and I thank you for that.”
Michael W., Omaha, NE

“I had to change my insurance a couple of years ago and I can’t believe the difference with the level of care for my children. I am so impressed with the service they receive. Great system and great care!”
Anonymous, Springfield, MA

At Small Smiles, we love to see kids smile!

FORBA Update on Children's Dental Health in America

2010-01-21T12:10:00.006-05:00

FORBA continues to monitor the trends in dental care for children from low-income families.

From November 16- 18, a national online poll surveyed 210 parents of young children in households with annual incomes of $35,000 or less. The survey found that the number of parents who reported that their children lacked health insurance increased from 16 to 19 percent. Additionally, the percentage of parents who indicated a reliance on Medicaid and CHIP for dental care increased from 40 to 53 percent. Both of these indicators showed an increase from May when the first survey was taken.

However, there were positive signs that although more parents are relying on assistance during tough economic times, they are not sacrificing their children’s dental care – instead they are seeking out solutions for care, such as FORBA associated dental centers. Some encouraging signs from the survey include:

• The percentage indicating having to choose between dental care and other necessities for their children decreased from 44 to 38 percent.
• The number of parents who said their child visits a dentist less than once each year decreased from 74 to 36 percent.
• A smaller majority – 70 percent, down from 86 percent – said they have trouble finding a dentist to treat their children.

Small Smiles Dentist Carl Trout Discusses the Need for Regular Dental Visits

2010-01-20T13:27:00.003-05:00

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

2010-01-20T08:51:00.006-05:00

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.

CDHP's Edelstein Tells Congress to Back Holistic Approach to Dental Care

2009-10-19T10:55:00.005-04:00

In recent testimony before the U.S. House Government Reform and Oversight Domestic Policy Subcommittee, Children's Dental Health Project (CDHP) Chairman Burt Edelstein advocated for continued work by Congress and the federal agencies to eradicate the "scourge" of childhood tooth decay.

"[We] can work together...by identifying those at greatest risk early in their lives, providing families with the tools to manage that risk, ensuring ready access for all children to comprehensive prevention-oriented dental care, and allocating our resources where the needs are greatest."

CDHP has been working to strengthen dental care for children in the U.S. since 1997. Click here to view Dr. Edelstein's full testimony.

FORBA, the nation's premiere dental practice management company focused on quality care for children from low-income families, is a proud supporter of CDHP and Dr. Edelstein's ongoing efforts to raise awareness and strengthen the resources available to combat the epidemic of poor oral health among the nation's underserved kids.

GAO Finds Dental Care Improvement in States, But Barriers Remain

2009-10-09T14:44:00.004-04:00

The GAO recently issued a report that examined how the states track the effectiveness of Medicaid dental care for children. The report recommends that CMS develop a plan to review dental services in states with low utilization rates and ensure that states share best practices nationwide.

The report also contained interesting data on children's dental care, including:

• CMS reports that dental utilization rates have improved since 2000 from a national average of 27 percent to 35 percent in 2007.

• Utilization rates remain low: only 1 state in 2007 reported a dental utilization rate among Medicaid kids above 50 percent.

• 12 states reported utilization rates below 30 percent.

• Fewer than half of all states reported undertaking initiatives to improve children's access to dental care.

• Nearly all states reported that the barriers contributing to low use of dental services in 2000 by Medicaid beneficiaries still exist today.

Clearly, more work needs to be done to improve children's dental care. The FORBA-associated network of Small Smiles dental centers will continue to work with states and communities to increase access to quality dental care for low-income children.

FORBA Appoints Dr. Anupama Tate to Pediatric Dental Advisory Board

2009-09-29T13:33:00.003-04:00

FORBA Holdings, the nation’s premiere dental practice management company focused on dental care for underserved communities, today announced that Dr. Anupama Rao Tate has joined their Pediatric Dental Advisory Board to help guide care and treatment initiatives across their nationwide network of associated dental centers.

“In 2007, we established our Pediatric Dental Board to help keep our dental centers at the forefront of new care initiatives and treatment standards,” said Michael Lindley, Chairman and CEO of FORBA. “In an effort to provide our patients with the high quality dental care they deserve at every visit, we have tapped the best and the brightest in the field of pediatric dentistry. Dr. Tate’s experience in dealing with pediatric tooth decay, and the associated health implications, will be of tremendous benefit to both the continuing education of our caregivers and to our patients.”

Dr. Tate is a recognized leader in the field of pediatric dentistry. Currently, she serves as the Director of Pediatric Dentistry at Children’s National Medical Center and as an Assistant Professor at The George Washington University.

In addition to her position at Children’s National in Washington, DC, Dr. Tate serves as an advisor to the American Association of Pediatric Dentistry’s Head Start Dental Home Initiative, and as an advisor to the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. In 2009, she was named to the board of the Mid-Atlantic P.A.N.D.A. organization, which seeks to prevent dental abuse and neglect through dental awareness.

“I am proud to join FORBA’s Pediatric Dental Advisory Board,” said Dr. Tate. “During my career as a pediatric dentist, I have worked to help educate parents and children about the importance of good oral health, especially in the low-income community. I look forward to working with caregivers across the country in an effort to help provide some of our nation’s most at-risk children with the dental care they need.”

According to the Surgeon General, chronic tooth decay is the most prevalent childhood disease in America, affecting five times more children than asthma. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that 68 percent of children have decay in their permanent teeth. According to the Government Accountability Office (GAO), only 25 percent of low-income children nationwide receive adequate dental care. As a result, tooth decay is twice as prevalent in children from low-income families as it is in children from more affluent households.

“Kids of all income levels deserve a great smile, but only one in four children in low-income communities today has access to a dentist,” said Lindley. “Last year, our associated caregivers treated more than 750,000 kids in more than 65 dental centers across the country. We believe that all children deserve a great smile and we will continue to invest in underserved communities in an effort to expand access to care.”

Dentistry IQ: Recession affects dental care for youth from low-income families

2009-07-31T10:22:00.005-04:00

In a new article featured in Dentistry IQ titled "Recession affects dental care for youth from low-income families", FORBA Chief Dental Officer, Dr. Steve Adair discusses the results of a recent survey which demonstrate that the recession is having a significant impact on dental care for many kids across the country.

The article states:

The national online poll surveyed 210 parents of young children in households with annual incomes of $35,000 or less. It revealed that one in five (20%) take their children to the dentist less than once a year, well below the American Dental Association’s recommendation of two annual check-ups. About 16% said their children are not insured, and more than 40% said their family receives government health assistance from programs, such as Medicaid and CHIP. Approximately 18% said they have trouble locating a dentist who will treat their children, a finding that reflects a national problem, Dr. Adair said.

“The numbers in the survey are not surprising given the overall challenge the nation faces with regard to dental care for low-income children,” [Dr. Adair] said. “The information reinforces what many of us suspected about the impact of the economy.

Adair goes on to say, "Through events such as health fairs and free dental screenings at schools and day care centers, Small Smiles helps spread the message about the need for establishing an oral health routine to their community,” he continued. “As a profession, we can do a better job educating parents and children of all socioeconomic levels about the importance of good oral health and their options for receiving the dental care that they need.”

To read the Dentistry IQ article, please click here.

To read more about the survey conducted by FORBA, please click here.

Survey: Recession Endangering Dental Health of American Children

2009-07-07T13:10:00.003-04:00

A recent survey of low-income parents has found that financial stress caused by the economic recession is forcing many families to choose between basic necessities such as food, transportation and housing, and routine dental care for their children – exacerbating an epidemic of poor dental health among children from underserved communities.

“There is an overwhelming need for dental care for economically-disadvantaged children across the country,” said Dr. Steven Adair, a faculty member of the Medical College of Georgia and Chief Dental Officer of FORBA, the nation’s largest dental practice management company focused on care for low-income kids. Adair oversees clinical and quality initiatives at FORBA’s nationwide associated network of Small Smiles dental centers.

For more information about the survey, please click here to read the press release.

Small Smiles of Greenville Sponsors Head Start Golf Tournament

2009-06-29T10:24:00.004-04:00

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.

FORBA's Steve Adair Addresses Soda Mouth Crisis in USA Today Letter to the Editor

2009-06-19T16:00:00.004-04:00

In a Letter to the Editor that appeared in USA Today on June 18, Dr. Steve Adair, Chief Dental Officer of FORBA, highlights the problems associated with soda consumption by children. Dr. Adair's letter, written in response to an article on a potential soda tax which is being considered by Congress and the Administration to help pay for health care reform, states:

"USA TODAY's coverage of a potential soda tax highlights the link between soda consumption and obesity, but there is another soda-driven health problem that is just as prevalent: tooth decay among children ("Pour on taxes, pour on change?," Life, Monday).

Tooth decay affects five times more children than asthma and is the most common chronic childhood disease; 80% of tooth decay among American kids is found in just 25% of all children, a majority of whom come from low-income families. Additionally, children with untreated tooth decay are more likely to have chronic pain and problems eating and sleeping.

This epidemic is driven in part by sugared soda consumption and other unhealthy habits children learn at home, but more needs to be done in communities as well. Nationwide, only about 30% of low-income children receive adequate dental care.

Whether a tax would reduce soda consumption is debatable, but what is certain is that parents and children need to be aware of the risks. Through education and expanded care access, we can help ensure that our nation's children grow up with healthy smiles."

To read the letter on USA Today's website, please click here.

Small Smiles of Roanoke Helps Children Learn to Read

2009-05-21T14:43:00.004-04:00

Small Smiles of Roanoke is pleased to be partnering with Smart Beginnings of Roanoke and the United Way to help children in the area learn to read.

Smart Beginnings works with you children to prepare them to enter the classroom. The United Way is also participating in the program has dontated books to help encourage children to read at home.

Small Smiles of Roanoke is pleased to be distributing books from the program to their patients. Office Manager Mandy Dilley reports, "The children are excited to get a book of their own that they can take home."

Acid Reflux in Children Linked to Dental Health

2009-05-11T09:31:00.002-04:00

Dentists such as those at Small Smiles dental centers and other caregivers who regularly treat children are aware that a variety of factors can impact a child's dental health. It is also important for parents to be familiar with health issues that could impact their children.

News today from the University of California says that children who have symptoms of chronic acid reflux are significantly more likely to have dental erosions than those without reflux symptoms, according to a new study.

The study, which is the first to examine the relationship between acid reflux and dental health in pediatric patients, was presented today, May 4, 2009, at the Pediatric Academic Societies annual meeting in Baltimore, Md.

The research is also among the first to find a conclusive link between chronic acid reflux and dental erosions in any age group, as previous studies have produced inconsistent results, according to Melvin Heyman, MD, chief of pediatric gastroenterology, hepatology and nutrition at UC San Francisco's Children’s Hospital and the study’s senior author.

“These findings demonstrate that we really need to start looking for dental erosions in pediatric patients with chronic acid reflux and integrate proper dental care into their treatment regimens,” Heyman said.

FORBA and the associated network of Small Smiles dental clinics recommends that parents talk to their child's dentist about a variety of health issues to help safeguard lifelong dental health.

Small Smiles of Holyoke Participates in Healthy Kids Day

2009-05-05T13:45:00.004-04:00

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

2009-04-29T16:04:00.005-04:00

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.

Small Smiles of Youngstown Featured in Office Hours Magazine

2009-04-20T16:17:00.004-04:00

Small Smiles of Youngstown is featured in the most recent edition of Office Hours Magazine.

The article discusses the need for dental care among the low income population and the extra steps that caregivers at Small Smiles take to make children and parents comfortable during their visit.

“We are set up specifically to provide care for underprivileged children in our area,” said Dr. Whitney Moore, lead dentist at the Youngstown Small Smiles. “Children and their parents find a comforting and professional environment that is focused on providing the best possible care for children who may be taking their first steps toward life-long dental health.”

To view the article, click here.

Small Smiles of Roanoke Sponsors Easter Bunny at Tanglewood Mall

2009-03-24T09:36:00.004-04:00

Beginning on Saturday, March 28, the Easter Bunny will be appearing at Tanglewood Mall in Roanoke, VA.

Small Smiles, in coordination First Baptist Church Roanoke and Tanglewood Mall, will sponsor a “Wake Up with the Bunny” breakfast at 9:30am on Saturday, March 28. Breakfast will be provided by Chick-fil-A for each registered child, ages 10 and under, and a parent or guardian. Following the breakfast, there will be activities for the children including crafts and games, and face-painting.

Space is very limited, so parents should call to register today! To register, please call Customer Service at (540) 989-4388.

The Easter Bunny will be at Tanglewood Mall for visits and pictures with children through Saturday, April 11th.

To read more about the event, please click here.

USA Today: Many Americans Say They Forgo Routine Dental Care

2009-03-17T14:09:00.004-04:00

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, FORBA-associated 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"

2009-03-06T22:25:00.003-05:00

Texas Smiles, and other FORBA-associated dental centers like Small 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 FORBA-associated dental centers can help families gain access to the dental care they need.

Tour a Small Smiles Dental Center and Meet Our Dentists

2009-03-06T20:04:00.004-05:00

Welcome to Small Smiles!

Join us for a tour of our modern dental center designed with kids in mind. Dr. Toni Adderley, lead dentist at Small Smiles of Washington, D.C., takes you on a tour of our facility, while Dr. Steven Adair, Chief Dental Officer, explains the need for dental care in underserved populations.

To see the video, visit the Small Smiles homepage.

FORBA-Associated Dental Centers Provided Free Screenings to 8,000 Children During Dental Health Month

2009-03-06T16:36:00.003-05:00

Nashville, TN – FORBA Dental Management, the nation’s largest dental practice management company focused on high-quality dental care for underserved communities, today announced that caregivers at its associated dental centers provided free dental health screenings last month to more than 8,000 kids nationwide as part of its “Healthy Smile, Happy Child” campaign.

“We are proud of the nationwide efforts of these caregivers during Dental Health Month,” said FORBA Chief Dental Officer Dr. Steven Adair. “The number of free screenings performed last month underscores not only our commitment to children’s oral health, but also the overwhelming need for the care in underserved communities.”

According to the Surgeon General, chronic tooth decay is the most prevalent childhood disease in America, affecting five times more children than asthma. According to the Government Accountability Office (GAO) only 25 percent of low-income children nationwide receive adequate dental care. As a result, tooth decay is twice as prevalent in children from low-income families as it is in children from more affluent households.

Each year FORBA-associated dental centers treat nearly one million children -- from “first tooth” to 20 years old -- at 68 dental centers in 22 states and the District of Columbia.

Small Smiles of Denver Offers Free Dental Screenings

2009-03-06T15:21:00.005-05:00

Small Smiles Dental Center of Denver recently opened its doors to underserved kids in the Denver-metro area to celebrate "Healthy Smile, Happy Child Day."

In the clip, Dr. Minh Thai discusses how Small Smiles goes the extra mile to help children feel safe and comfortable when visiting the dentist.

For more information on Small Smiles, please click here.

Pueblo Chieftain: Small Smiles Dentist Addresses Need for Dental Health Care for Kids

2009-03-06T08:54:00.008-05:00

Last week, the Pueblo Chieftain ran an op/ed from Small Smiles dentist, Dr. Randall Ellis.

The op/ed is aimed at raising the awareness of the importance of dental health during Children's Dental Health Month.

Randall writes, "As a dentist at Small Smiles of Pueblo, I spend my days examining children’s teeth, and what I find is not always the picture of good health. All too often I see children with advanced tooth decay, many of whom are in severe pain. Nationwide, dental caries, or tooth decay, is the single most prevalent childhood disease. In fact, the U.S. Surgeon General has called tooth decay the “silent epidemic.” But there is good news – tooth decay is also highly preventable."

For more information on proper brushing and flossing techniques, please click here.

4 Million New Kids Eligible for Dental Care Under SCHIP

2009-02-13T13:41:00.007-05:00

The President this week signed new legislation that will cover an additional 4 million kids under the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), bringing to a total of 11 million the number of uninsured children eligible for coverage.

The measure includes a requirement that states cover dental care under SCHIP, and allows states to provide dental coverage as a supplement to private insurance.

This is a huge step in the right direction for the millions of low-income children who experience a disproportionate share of tooth decay and dental disease in America.

FORBA-affiliated dental centers are among the few dental providers that are specifically focused on providing care for SCHIP and Medicaid children. In fact, fewer than 1 in 4 dentists nationwide will treat children on Medicaid.

For a summary of the SCHIP bill that was signed into law this week, see the Kaiser Foundation report about the great news for America's kids.

Small Smiles Caregivers Volunteer for Spartanburg Kids

2009-02-09T11:41:00.003-05:00

The Spartanburg Herald-Journal covered the great work of Small Smiles dentist Dr. Lenora Covington, who volunteered alongside other caregivers for a day of free care for underserved kids in Spartanburg:

Dentists volunteer time for 'Give Kids a Smile Day'
Dentists give exams, treat needy

By Dudley Brown
Feb. 7, 2009

Shelby-Ryan Scott left the dentist's chair with a big sticker and a little pink treasure box for storing the baby tooth that she lost.

She smiled as she hugged her mother and made a declaration.

"I ain't scared of no dentist," said Shelby-Ryan, 7.

She was one of 56 children participating in Healthy Smiles of Spartanburg's Give Kids a Smile Day. She left with the attitude that the free dental clinic would like kids to have.

Healthy Smiles treats children and teens who aren't eligible for Medicaid. It has weekly clinics on Fridays and Saturdays at Spartanburg Community College. Give Kids a Smile Day is an opportunity to bring a group of dentists together to volunteer their services. It's a partnership with the Spartanburg County Dental Association and Spartanburg Community College.

Seven dentists volunteered Friday, including Dr. Lenora Covington of Small Smiles, a dental clinic that treats children eligible for Medicaid.

"We're letting the community know we're there for them," Covington said. "There are a lot of children that fall through the cracks who don't qualify for Medicaid."

Dr. Jack Keith, a retired orthopedic surgeon, started Healthy Smiles, which began serving children two years ago. Keith said a study was conducted five years ago that found almost 10,000 children in the county needed dental care.

"We don't have any idea of what it is now, but I don't think it's decreased any," Keith said.

Some of the children treated Friday were visiting a dentist for the first time. Keith said dentists spend a minimum of 30 minutes with each child and that they take time to treat and look for any problems because it could be awhile before a child sees a dentist again.

Dr. David Dedmon said the first child he saw Friday received treatment that would normally cost $1,000. He and other dentists noted some of the problems they treated so they could share the information with county, state and national dental associations.

Last year, the clinic served 425 children. This year's goal is to treat 700.

"It's the most common reason for a child to miss school - an achy tooth or an abscessed tooth," Keith said.

Children are referred to Healthy Smiles through schools. Small busloads of children are brought to the clinic on Fridays. Keith said the kids receive dental services and are taught good oral hygiene.

Dentists volunteer their services, and occasionally, the clinic pays to have children treated.

Cindy Roddey, executive director of Healthy Smiles, said four dentists regularly volunteer with the program.

"If we could have every dentist in the county giving us five hours a year, we could triple the number of children we see," Roddey said.

FORBA Gives Youngstown Kids a Reason to Smile

2009-02-09T10:37:00.003-05:00

On "Give Kids A Smile Day," Small Smiles partnered with other local providers to provide free screening and treatment to 200 kids from low-income communities in the Youngstown area. The full story, covered by The Youngstown Vindicator:

For a high percentage of the youths, it was the first time sitting in a dentist’s chair.

Feb. 7, YOUNGSTOWN, OH — Local dentists and dental hygienists provided some 200 under-served area schoolchildren, from preschool through the eighth grade, with dental examinations and treatment this week.

The program, Give Kids A Smile!, is under the auspices of the American Dental Association, and locally through the Corydon Palmer Dental Society.

Kids were bused all week to the Choffin Career & Technical Center’s dental assisting program; and to Youngstown State University’s dental hygiene program and Small Smiles Dental Clinic on Friday, which was National Give Kids A Smile! day.

For a high percentage of the kids, it was the first time sitting in a dentist’s chair, said Paula Oliver, program director for the Choffin dental assisting program. While Choffin is part of Youngstown schools, the dental assisting program is an adult education program, one of just three in Ohio that is accredited, Oliver said.

The children also received free tooth brushes and dental floss and made teeth identification imprints that were given to their schools, she said.

Children this young shouldn’t have cavities, with flouride in the water, said Dr. Steven Watts, who another volunteer dentist, Dr. Paul Bertolasio, said is the push behind the local program.

Watts’ private practice is in Howland, and Bertolasio’s in Girard.

From a treatment perspective, the children receive examinations, teeth cleaning, sealant to prevent cavities, and even fillings when necessary. There is also an education component, Oliver said.

The problem is, said Dr. Watts, that children are drinking too much bottled water, most of which does not contain flouride, and too much pop, especially dark colas, which contain phosphoric acid, which he said is hard on teeth.

The damage from phosphoric acid can be lessened by using a straw, which keeps less of the acid from touching the teeth, he said.

“I like to help kids,” said Dr. Bertolasio, who said he also does free work for first- and fifth-graders at Girard City Schools and St. Rose School in Girard, and talks to kids about dental care in the Giant Eagle Eagles Nests while their parents are shopping.

Also helping Friday were students of the Choffin nine-month dental assisting program, such as Julie Mohorick of Warren and Ashley Altomare of Leetonia.

There is a special component of the program this year, in which 10 to 20 families will be picked based on the children with the highest number of cavities, to all receive free dental examinations, teeth cleaning and dental care education, Oliver said.

“We’ll follow the families for a year and do any restorative work they need,” Dr. Watts said.

Small Smiles of Springfield, Mass. Gives Back

2008-12-17T15:04:00.002-05:00

This holiday season, many of our dental centers are going the extra mile to help children and families in need.

Small Smiles Dental Center of Springfield, Mass. recently donated a decorated Christmas tree to the Springfield Boys and Girls Club Festival of Trees.

The presents under the tree were donated by employees, doctors and sponsors.

The tree, adorned with the Small Smiles characters and toothbrush ornaments, will be one of 106 trees that will be raffled off to a lucky family in the community.

To read a story about the Festival of Trees that appeared in The Republican, please click here.

FORBA Appoints Allison Luke as Vice President, Compliance

2008-12-16T12:31:00.003-05:00

FORBA recently announced that Allison Luke has joined FORBA as Senior Vice President, Compliance.

Luke will lead initiatives designed to ensure that FORBA-affiliated dental centers continue to comply with applicable federal and state laws and regulations while delivering high-quality essential services to low-income children.

Prior to joining our team, Luke was employed at Healthcare Integrity Services, LLC, of Atlanta, Georgia, a healthcare consulting company that provides compliance services to hospitals, home health agencies, physician groups, rehabilitation providers, nursing homes, hospices and third-party billing companies across the southeastern United States. Her 18 years of experience include expertise in Medicaid and Medicare payment rules, corporate compliance, quality of care issues, HIPAA confidentiality, medical staff credentialing, managed care and professional licensing laws.

Previously, Luke was Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer of CareSouth Health System in Georgia, where she tailored and implemented a comprehensive compliance program. Luke also served as Regulatory and Legislative Counsel to the 170-member Georgia Hospital Association.

Luke is a member of the American Health Lawyers Association, the Health Care Compliance Association, the State Bar of Georgia, the Health Law Section of the State Bar of Georgia, the Georgia Academy of Healthcare Attorneys, and the GHA Compliance Officers Roundtable. She was also hospital representative to the Georgia Task Force on AIDS from 1995-2000, and is a former board member of the National Mental Health Association of Georgia. Luke is a graduate of the College of Charleston and holds a Juris Doctor from the University of Georgia School of Law.

Small Smiles of Louisville Hosts Open House

2008-11-21T10:28:00.004-05:00

Recently, Small Smiles of Louisville hosted an open house for community leaders, elected officials and health care professionals in the Louisville-area.

This year, Small Smiles of Louisville will see almost 10,000 children in the Louisville-area.

Dr. Melanie Abrams, co-Lead Dentist at the Louisville facility, said, “At Small Smiles, we believe that children from low-income families deserve the same quality of dental care as those in affluent communities. We are proud of our commitment to children’s dental health and we look forward to contributing to the life-long oral health of the area’s kids.”

Small Smiles Clinics Respond to Increased Need for Dental Care

2008-10-17T14:01:00.003-04:00

Recently, Cincinnati's WLWT Channel 5 aired a story about the difficult health care decisions that many families are facing during the economic downturn. Featured in the story was Small Smiles of Cincinnati.

Click here to read that article and view the multimedia clip.

The Washington Post: Watch Your Mouth

2008-09-29T09:32:00.006-04:00

In an article special to The Washington Post, new evidence suggests a link between a healthy heart and healthy teeth and gums stating that regular flossing and brushing may be a crucial element to warding off heart disease.

The article continues: "The link between what's happening in your mouth and in the rest of your body goes further still: Gum disease might be a kind of early warning system, with poor oral health linked to diabetes, kidney disease, preterm labor, osteoporosis, Alzheimer's disease and even certain types of cancer.

"'A lot of research studies are coming out that seem to suggest some possible link or associations' between oral infection and systemic disorders, says Sally Cram, a periodontist in the District and consumer adviser for the American Dental Association."

At FORBA-managed dental centers our top priority is ensuring that every child has access to the high-quality dental care that is necessary for a healthy smile. By establishing a regular dental care routine, we are working to provide children with the tools for lifelong health.

To read the Washington Post article, click here.

CNN: Report Highlights Prevalence of Untreated Tooth Decay in Children

2008-09-26T15:13:00.003-04:00

A recent report released by The Government Accountability Office (GAO) stated that millions of children in the U.S. have untreated tooth decay.

The report, which cited data from 1999 to 2004, stated that more than 6.5 million children who are currently enrolled in the Medicaid program have problems with tooth decay.

In fact, those children enrolled in the Medicaid program were almost twice as likely to have untreated tooth decay as those children who had private health insurance.

Across the country, fewer than one in four dentists accepts Medicaid patients. At FORBA-managed clinics nationwide, we are working to expand access to high quality dental care for low-income children.

Click here to read the article on CNN.com.

Small Smiles of Indianapolis Hosts Back-To-School Event for Children

2008-09-18T16:24:00.005-04:00

Recently, Small Smiles of Indianapolis hosted a Back to School event for children and parents at their clinic on East Washington Street.

The event featured games, face painting, activities and a cookout. Families were greeted at the center by dentists and staff and given a tour of the treatment facility. After the tour, children participated in a back-to-school giveaway featuring backpacks and school supplies.

We here at FORBA would like to applaud the dedication of Dr. Olivia Croom and her staff. We appreciate their hard work on behalf of the children of Indianapolis and their commitment to providing them with high-quality dental care.

Small Smiles of East Liberty Provides Free Dental Screenings for Pittsburgh Children

2008-09-17T14:58:00.004-04:00

Recently, Small Smiles Dental Center of East Liberty, PA, in connection with United Concordia, Davis Vision and the Pittsburgh Pirates teamed up to offer free dental and vision screenings for Pittsburgh children. Those children who were in need of follow-up dental care were able to visit the Small Smiles facility in East Liberty to receive the treatment that they needed at no cost.

At FORBA, we are proud of the work that our clinics do on behalf of their communities. Ensuring that all children have access to top-quality dental care is our mission and we are proud to provide dental care to the children of Pittsburgh.

FORBA Applauds Pew Center Initiative to Expand Access to Dental Care

2008-09-09T12:47:00.004-04:00

The Pew Center on the States recently announced an initiative to expand access to dental care for low-income children. Citing the rapidly rising rate of tooth decay in children, the Pew Center is calling for reform. The Pew Center’s call to action includes increasing Medicaid reimbursement rates, streamlining dental health care programs and incorporating dental health care education into general health care programs.

Here at FORBA, we work every day to expand care to disadvantaged and low-income children. We applaud the efforts of The Pew Center of the States to draw attention to this issue. All children deserve a healthy smile.

For more information on the initiative, please visit The Pew Center on the States.

Dr. Steven Adair, Chief Dental Officer at FORBA, - which manages Small Smiles Dental Centers - responds to The Boston Globe article

2008-08-13T15:21:00.004-04:00

In a Letter to the Editor published in today’s Boston Globe, Dr. Steven Adair comments on The Boston Globe’s story “Dental Benefits Widen, Waiting Lines Grow” which ran on August 7, 2008.

Dr. Adair writes:

Don't forget care for poor children - August 12, 2008

The Globe’s coverage of the dental crisis in Massachusetts among low-income adults was excellent ("Dental benefits widen, waiting lines grow," Page A1, Aug. 7), but there is another part of the story: a lack of dental care for poor children.

Like the adults profiled in the story, children from low-income families are also less likely than affluent children to receive adequate dental care, and the problem is exacerbated by private caregivers who decline to offer treatment for kids receiving Medicaid assistance. Nationwide, fewer than 20 percent of dentists treat Medicaid kids.

As an educator and pediatric dentist, I have seen first-hand the impact of poor dental health among younger patients. Chronic tooth decay in young children can lead to a variety of other health and developmental challenges including pain, poor nutrition, distraction from learning, and other activities.

Raising Medicaid reimbursement rates is a good first step toward increasing access to care, but it doesn't address issues on the patient side of the equation.

Much more needs to be done to educate parents about dental disease. Effective treatment for the nation's poorest patients will require innovative approaches from the dental community, policy makers, social workers, and others involved in the dental care of children and adults alike.

Dr. Steven Adair
Nashville
The writer is chief dental officer of FORBA Dental Management, which manages dental clinics in Massachusetts for children whose families receive Medicaid.

To view the letter, please click here.

Boston Globe Reports on Barriers to Dental Care for Low-Income Populations

2008-08-07T15:42:00.007-04:00

In today’s Boston Globe, Kay Lazar touches on a theme in dental care for patients on Medicaid, Medicare and other subsidized benefits – a shortage of dentists willing to treat patients.

The article “Dental Benefits Widen, Waiting Lines Grow” highlights a growing problem in Massachusetts for patients that are receiving benefits under the Commonwealth’s efforts to provide dental care to low-income adults.

For children from low-income families, the problem of finding a dentist persists nationwide. According to the Government Accountability Office (GAO), it is estimated that only 1 in 4 children receive adequate dental care.

FORBA-managed dental centers are among those serving Massachusetts children who receive assistance from Medicaid.

To view the Boston Globe article, please click here.

California Report Offers Tips to Dentists for Treating Underserved Patients

2008-08-07T13:59:00.007-04:00

Released today by the California HealthCare Foundation: a new report offers valuable guidance for dentists who treat underserved patients.

From CHCF's website:

Despite growing recognition of the importance of oral health on overall health, far too many low-income Californians — particularly children — are unable to access dental care. While the publically funded Denti-Cal program provides coverage for many children, six in ten California dentists won't provide care for them because they are paid only 30% of what they earn seeing privately insured patients.

While poor reimbursement and bureaucratic hurdles make caring for underserved patients a challenge, some dentists and clinics have found ways to make it work. A new package of materials from CHCF, part of the Foundation's new focus on oral health, offers practical tools for dentists and clinics considering expanding their practice for underserved Californians.

The first, The Good Practice: Treating Underserved Dental Patients While Staying Afloat, highlights practical steps dental practices who treat underserved patients can take to boost their operational efficiency. A companion audio report provides a firsthand look at the challenges and rewards of treating uninsured and Medi-Cal patients.

A third report, Expanding Access to Dental Care Through California's Community Health Centers, focuses on the role of federally qualified health centers, an essential component of the dental safety net. It explores existing barriers to establishing and expanding dental services and offers recommendations to improve productivity and add services.

Small Smiles Partners with Parents for Annual Greenville Event

2008-08-04T09:40:00.004-04:00

The Greenville News in South Carolina recently highlighted Small Smiles’ role in a community event that helps area children. The story, from July 30, is excerpted below…

Greer resident Della Snoddy said her son Tremaine Martel Jackson’s 2006 drug-related shooting death was unnecessary but not in vain.

The pain she lives with has birthed a now annual event that helps children steer away from her son’s ill-fated path.

Snoddy created the TMJ Foundation in her son’s honor and last year hosted the first of what she hopes to make an annual event to celebrate his life and help other neighborhood children.

Last year, Snoddy and a group of volunteers collected 150 book bags and filled them with school supplies.

She then hosted a back-to-school event where students ate hot dogs and cotton candy while listening to music.

This year’s event will be held from 1 p.m.-5 p.m. Aug. 2 at Greer’s Needmore Recreation Center, 202 Canteen Ave.

"I’m incorporating health in this event instead of just handing out the book bags," Snoddy said. "Kids don’t do well if they have health problems. They’re trying to learn and their teeth are hurting."

To remedy the problem, she has partnered with Small Smiles Dental Clinic and New Horizon Family Health Services to offer free dental and health screenings during the event.

Music will be provided by Hot 98.1 radio personalities and Fred’s Funnel Cakes will make free treats for the children.

"We’re trying to make it a fun day for children, but also trying to supply them with school supplies and to find out the health issues they might have," she said.

Snoddy’s plan is to add something new each year.

Last year’s event was so successful that some children left with plastic bags filled with supplies because the book bags ran out.

That was a great problem to have, Snoddy said.

"When I thought about it, it was just a dream that I wished I could do," she said. "God just birthed it and let it happen. I asked Him and everything I do is for the TMJ Foundation. I may not have 150 book bags at this moment, but I know and believe I will have more than 150 bags. That’s how I think about it."

CNN article offers tips and information for parents on dental care

2008-07-29T14:49:00.004-04:00

Caring for your child’s teeth is an important daily routine that requires both practice and patience. This article from CNN.com provides a helpful question and answer guide for parents and caregivers about establishing a dental routine at home.

Across the country, FORBA-managed centers are helping to provide low-income children with access to high-quality dental care. Dentists and caregivers at FORBA-managed centers help educate parents about the benefits of dental care at home.

To read CNN’s article, please visit: “Everything You Need To Know About Caring for Your Kids’ Teeth”.

Dr. Steven Adair Responds to New York Times Blog on Children’s Dental Health

2008-07-25T15:12:00.007-04:00

Recently, the New York Times' Tara Parker-Pope published a blog on children's dental health. Parker-Pope's blog discusses a recently published study in the journal of Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology which states that overweight children have healthier teeth than their peers.

Dr. Steven Adair, FORBA's Chief Dental Officer, offered his comments on the study. To read Dr. Adair's comments (posted on July 25, 2008), please visit: http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/04/02/overweight-kids-have-fewer-cavities/.

PEARL Network Study to Examine Treatment of Deep Caries

2008-07-23T16:21:00.004-04:00

FORBA-managed dental centers this year will be among those recruiting patients for a multi-year study conducted by The PEARL Network (Partners Engaged in Applied Learning and Research) that will examine treatment of deep caries nationwide.

Management of deep caries close to the dental pulp presents a challenge to both clinician and patient because the prognosis for recommended treatments is not well documented. The PEARL Network study, called Complete versus Partial Removal of Deep Caries: A Comparison Study of Treatment Outcomes (Deep Caries Study), will attempt to shed light on the most effective treatment options.

In a survey of PEARL Network members, 80 percent of dentist practitioner-investigators reported removing all caries from deep lesions and 20 percent reported that they only partially remove caries. Based upon this survey’s results and the recent publication of a report that found outcomes of both treatment approaches produced similar outcomes, the PEARL Network designed this effectiveness study to assess treatment outcomes for both procedures in PEARL Network practices.

The specific aims of this research are to:

• Compare the effectiveness between complete and partial caries removal in deep Class I lesions for maintaining tooth vitality at one year post-treatment.

• Assess the effects of deep caries treatment on patients' Post-Operative Hypersensitivity (POH) and Oral Health Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL).

• Evaluate cavity lining and bonding techniques for non-vitality outcome trends in order to design a follow-up prospective intervention study.

The study, currently in its early phases, will recruit 560 patients who will be monitored at 6 and 12-month intervals to examine treatment efficacy.

The Importance of Dental Sealants for Medicaid Patients

2008-07-16T09:51:00.004-04:00

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality has determined that dental sealants are underused in treating Medicaid patients. According to AHRQ, “dental sealants prevent tooth decay, save money and are an important preventative measure, complementing the use of fluorides. They work by preventing decay from developing in the pits and fissures of teeth, channels that are often inaccessible to brushing and where fluoride may be less effective.”

A study conducted in connection with the North Carolina Medicaid program demonstrated that dental sealants save the program money. In one instance, the difference between treating a child with dental sealants and one without was $15.21 per molar. However, despite these savings, AHRQ has determined that dental sealants are still underused to treat the Medicaid population.

At FORBA, we are focused on expanding access to high-quality dental treatment so that every child has access to the care and preventative procedures that will keep their smile healthy for years to come.

Research Shows Low-Income Children Receive Fewer Preventative Health Care Visits

2008-07-14T17:28:00.005-04:00

In a study by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, found that low-income children were only half as likely to attend preventative dental visits as their peers.

Moreover, the same study, focusing on data from the State of Maryland, found that only 31% of Medicaid children received preventative dental care. This statistic is unexpectedly low considering that dental care is available to ALL Medicaid-eligible children. Studies in Georgia and Alabama revealed similar statistics – demonstrating that Medicaid children are often not receiving the dental care that is available to them through the program.

At FORBA, our mission is to facilitate the provision and access to much needed dental care for low-income children. We provide management services to over sixty clinics nationwide to serve the needs of low-income children and families. If you are a parent and have a child in the Medicaid program, we encourage you to help your child’s smile healthy by scheduling regular dental visits.

The following graph demonstrates access to preventative dental care:

(Source: The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality)

Dr. Steven Adair Joins FORBA, a Dental Management Company

2008-06-19T12:37:00.006-04:00

Recently, FORBA, a dental management company, hired nationally recognized professor of pediatric dentistry, Dr. Steven Adair, as their Chief Dental Officer.

As part of the FORBA team, Dr. Adair will oversee patient care standards and direct quality assurance initiatives for FORBA-managed clinics nationwide.

FORBA strives to provide high-quality dental care to children from low-income families. As part of our commitment to patients and their parents, we are always striving to improve our care and services. We are pleased to welcome Dr. Adair to our team and know that his leadership will strengthen the quality of care that we provide.

About Dr. Steven Adair:

Dr. Adair is a nationally recognized expert in pediatric dentistry and professor of Pediatric Dentistry at the Medical College of Georgia. He is certified by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry and is a fellow of the American College of Dentists.

He is also editor-in-chief of Pediatric Dentistry which is published by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and served as a member of the AAPD Board of Trustees from 1998-2001. Dr. Adair is a member of and has served as a consultant to the Commission on Dental Accreditation, the Joint Commission of National Dental Examiners, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Dental Products Panel, and the U.S. Air Force.

When A Caregiver Becomes A Hero

2008-06-11T07:26:00.005-04:00

While Small Smiles’ mission to provide dental care to underserved children is certainly laudable, it’s not often that we think of dentists and dental caregivers as heroes -- but once in awhile their actions defy any other definition.

Below is a story of employees at a FORBA-managed clinic in New York who helped save the life of a child, excerpted from the Albany Times-Union. It’s proof positive that those who practice access dentistry have a strong commitment to the wellbeing of the children who visit our dental centers:

Parents rejoice at miracle
Dental hygienist, dentist come to rescue after baby stops breathing
March 27, 2008

Logan is Mark and Terri Tessier's fifth child, so they knew from experience that the infant was suffering from something far worse than a common cold.

Doctors diagnosed the boy with pneumonia after he briefly stopped breathing at an Albany dental office and landed in a hospital for two weeks.

Mark Tessier considers his son's recovery a miracle.

Logan was born in Cooperstown on Feb. 28, a few weeks premature. After a week, he had developed a runny nose. But pediatricians looked at the boy and sent him home. On March 13, Terri Tessier awoke to feed him around 5:30 a.m., and saw that his breathing was labored, Mark Tessier said.

Terri Tessier drove from their Sharon Springs home to an emergency room in Cobleskill. Doctors again looked at the infant and determined the ailment wasn't serious, his father said. So Terri proceeded with her day, taking her three daughters to Small Smiles Dental Office on Central Avenue in Albany.

While she was in the waiting room, around 11:15, she noticed Logan's lips had turned blue and he wasn't breathing, his father said.

Terri Tessier screamed for help. A receptionist dialed 911. A hygienist began cardiopulmonary resuscitation; then dentist Maziar Izadi, who had recently been recertified in CPR, took over. Others in the waiting room soothed the Tessier girls, ages 14, 7 and 2.

Within a few minutes, the baby was coughing.

"We heard him cry and we were so happy that he was coming back," Izadi said.

Paramedics arrived and took him to the neonatal intensive care unit at Albany Medical Center Hospital. Logan's diagnosis was pneumonia, acid reflux and a breathing disorder.

Luckily, there was no permanent damage, his father said. Logan is now gaining weight, and save for an apnea monitor, eats and sleeps like any normal infant.

"We are so happy that he's doing OK," Izadi said. "It's something that had us very worried."

Mark Tessier views it as a miracle.

"As a parent, you're never prepared for something like that," the 37-year-old horseshoer said. "This has been a miraculous recovery. When I've been blessed by other people, or my family's been blessed -- and it's happened before when there have been some hard times -- I can write a letter to the person and thank them personally.

"And we have gone back and said thank you to the folks at Small Smiles," he continued. "But you read the negative things every day in the news, I wanted to show the positive side, and that people do care about their fellow man."

Facts About Childhood Tooth Decay

2008-06-03T14:35:00.007-04:00

Did you know that tooth decay is the most common chronic disease found in children?

While tooth decay (also knows as dental caries) rates have declined overall since the 1970s, the incidence rates have remained steady for low-income children. Moreover, it is estimated that nationwide, 75% of the incidents of tooth decay (in children ages 2 to 5) are found in only 8% of the population – making tooth decay an income-sensitive disease that affects children from low-income families the most.

Research has shown that regular dental visits are a critical component to reducing tooth decay in children. Incentives in the Medicaid program encourage parents to take their children to see a dentist. However, the American Dental Association has estimated that only 20% of those eligible to receive dental services under a preventative Medicaid program actually do.

At FORBA, we are committed to making sure that children in low-income families have access to high quality dental care that can prevent tooth decay. At FORBA-managed centers, including Small Smiles, this year, we will serve over 500,000 children through the Medicaid and SCHIP programs. We are proud of the services that we offer because we know that regular visits to the dentist, combined with a plan for dental care at home, will keep a child’s smile looking healthy and bright for years to come.

(Statistics provided by the American Dental Association)

For more information on childhood tooth decay from the ADA, please click here.

Welcome!

2008-05-29T21:13:00.007-04:00

Welcome to the Children’s Access Dentistry blog, maintained by FORBA, a dental management company.

We have launched this blog to establish an online forum for discussion and accurate information sharing about children’s dental care in the United States.

Every year, Small Smiles and other FORBA-managed dental centers see more than 500,000 low-income children for dental cleanings, procedures and preventative care. FORBA believes that all children should have access to high-quality dental care. For decades, we have been serving the dental needs of children on SCHIP and Medicaid across the country. We are committed making dental care accessible to populations that are typically underserved by traditional dental clinics.

Tooth decay is the single most common chronic disease in children. The U.S. Surgeon General has deemed it the “Silent Epidemic,” and every year more than 51 million hours of school time are lost to dental-related illnesses. One of the most important and often overlooked facts is that tooth decay is easily preventable. At our clinics, we are committed to providing high-quality dental care to children so that they can lead happy, healthy and productive lives.

It is our hope that this blog will serve as a valuable resource for parents and the public about children’s dental health care.

We look forward to sharing information and hearing your comments as well. Please stay tuned to this space for new posts.