Our Dental Health Programs for Children
Oral Health Care has long been perceived as separate from physical health and not a part of overall well-being by the general public. As a result studies show that the lack of good dental health has strong financial, emotional, and physical implications. Children are likely to have self esteem issues, poor nutrition, school absences, difficulty learning, and other physical complications due to untreated tooth decay. Among children, those who are lower income, uninsured, and minority populations suffer at higher rates of tooth decay and are more likely to go without treatment than others.
We currently run three dental health service programs to help keep Riverside’s children’s mouths clean and healthy. With a broad scope of help in dental health education and dental services offered, we believe we're improving the quality of life for Riverside children.
Miles of Smiles Elementary Dental Program
Miles of Smiles exists to serve Riverside elementary schools with education in oral hygiene and nutrition, and with subsequent dental screenings and the placement of sealants. We are helping children throughout the Riverside, Jurupa, and Alvord Unified School Districts.
Miles of Smiles is now at 29 schools providing oral health education to over 16,000 children, screening 10,000 and placing 2,200 sealants each school year.
Miles of Smiles Head Start/Pre-School Program
The
Miles of Smiles Head Start/Pre-school program was developed with the goal of helping young children have a positive experience on their first dental visit. Our objectives are to reduce the amount of caries among young children through early screenings and to change the perception of oral health to be seen as part of overall well-being, among the parents of children ages 3 to 5. The expected outcomes are that parents will be able to prevent tooth decay, identify oral health issues early, seek regular dental care and be aware of local services.
Pediatric Dental Program
In partnership with Community Health Systems, Inc., pediatric dentistry has become a crucial component of RCHF’s dental services. About 400 children receive treatment each year through this program, of which almost 20% are under general anesthesia. The clinic staff includes a Pediatric Dentist, a Registered Dental Assistant and Pediatric Dental Anesthesiologist. The Pediatric Dentist removes tooth decay, fills cavities, examines x-rays, places sealants and repairs fractured teeth. The Pediatric Dentist routinely provides education to parents on caring for their children’s teeth to help prevent future problems. This program’s impact is
priceless. Dr. Damon Castillo, former Riverside County Superintendent of Schools and RCHF Board Member summarized its importance by saying,
"It is impossible for children to pay attention in the classroom when they are suffering from severe toothache. Providing dental treatment to school children greatly enhances their ability to learn and has long-term effects on their future."