Give Kids a Smile seeks to help kids who don’t visit a dentist as much as they should

SALT LAKE CITY — The American Dental Association has long recommended that everyone see the dentist at least once every six months. But many Americans are not following through with this suggestion.

The American Dental Association reports that in 2022, slightly more than half the population aged 0-18 years old — 52% — visited the dentist at least one time during the year. When asked about barriers to a dental visit, families noted the costs of services — whether or not they had dental insurance — the length of time between scheduling an appointment and seeing the dentist, and the idea that dental care is not as important as other health care.

The association’s “Give Kids a Smile” encourages dentists and dental hygienists across the country to hold free dental clinics in their community, where children can receive a dental check-up and minor care. Such an event will be held Feb. 8 in Salt Lake City at Fortis College, 3949 S. 700 East.

The program started in 2003 when the organization found that children were not visiting the dentist as much as the American Dental Association suggests. Visits are significant for more than dental care. Going to the dentist can also be where children learn the most about the importance of oral health, they claim.

Dental professionals, instructors, leaders of national and local dental organizations, and staff in dental and dental hygienist schools all report that dental care is vital for young people. As such, efforts need to be made to get children to the dentist, not only for cosmetic reasons but for overall health.

“We’d like to see the mouth treated as a part of the body, in terms of care,” said Julie Hemsley, dean of dental hygiene at Fortis College in Millcreek. “And it’s good to start (dental care) when they are young so they can develop good habits.”

Families living in poverty, as well as those who do not have dental insurance as a work benefit, often pass on dental care. The same is true with those who do have the insurance, according to the Health Policy Institute.

In 2009, the Children’s Health Insurance Program introduced dental care onto the list of covered services it pays for, allowing some families to receive this care and help. Since 1967, Medicaid has always covered dental care for children. Participation in these programs frees families from worrying about dental costs.

Both the dental association and Health Policy Institute have found that children from homes near or under the federal poverty level receive much of their dental care completed during school-based events that bring dentists and dental hygienists to schools.

American Dental Association Foundation’s ‘Give Kids A Smile’ event

Where: 3949 S. 700 East, Suite 150, Millcreek
When: Thursday, Feb. 6, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Cost: This event is free and open to the public
Who will be treated: Children ages zero to 17
More info: RSVP by calling 801-713-4200. 

There is also the reality that some people are terrified of going to the dentist. Helmsley notes that dentist offices today have various ways to ease anxiety, such as the use of nitrous oxide or other gases and medications.

Overall, the American Dental Association, dentists, dental hygienists and those affiliated with dental schools are well aware that the lack of dental insurance, as well as the need for more dentists, challenges the goal of getting everyone to the dentist at least twice a year.

As such, the association asks local schools and area dentists to come together to hold various free dental clinic and activities in their community.

Local dentists do not have control over dental insurance coverage and understand that, at this time, some patients are choosing between going to the dentist or buying groceries for their families. They then encourage and volunteer for area clinics to assist families in getting more children to the dentist twice a year.

“We enjoy working in the community and working with others interested in serving underserved populations,” said Hemsley. “We’re happy to see anybody here.”