Some local groups work hard to give children a new smile. It is the focus of collaboration between Smile Kentucky! and the University of Louisville School of Dentistry.

On Feb. 12^th and 19^th, nearly 40 Bullitt County Elementary School children will receive free dental care at the University of Louisville. They were identified during the first phase of the Smile Kentucky! The first consisting of school-based dental education and screenings.

UofL dental students, pediatric dentistry residents and dental faculty will meet the oral health needs of these children, ranging from basic cleanings and x-rays to restorations related to tooth decay. Those requiring additional treatment will be invited to return for subsequent appointments at no out-of-pocket cost to them and their families.

This past fall, members of the Louisville Dental Society and other local providers completed dental screenings for 800 Bullitt County children in grades 3-5 through the Smile Kentucky! program. Children with no dental insurance or who have urgent dental needs were invited to participate in one of the three Smile Kentucky! treatment days. The first phase of the effort involved oral health education for 3,600 children.

Smile Kentucky! is now in its 17^th year and complements the ADA Foundation’s Give Kids A Smile program to provide free oral health care services to underserved children.