Delta Dental of Virginia partners with the Virginia Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs to provide Smart Smiles—a program that provides free dental care to children who have FAMIS or do not have dental insurance. Dental care, dental health education, and hygiene instruction are the focus of this program.
Smart Smiles launched its pilot program in Roanoke in 2001 with 120 youth. Its remarkable success and measurable results drove the program’s statewide rollout that began in Richmond in 2003 and the Virginia Peninsula in 2004. In 2006, Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeast Virginia, Charlottesville/Albemarle, and Fredericksburg also began offering Smart Smiles. By 2007, annual enrollment had increased to approximately 1,000 children statewide, including a new program in Martinsville/Henry County. Last year, 68% of Smart Smiles members had fewer cavities at their six-month check-up. And, equally important, 84% showed increased oral health knowledge as indicated by a pre-test and post-test.
Who is eligible for Smart Smiles?
A child must be an active member of a Boys & Girls Clubs. The child must have a parent or guardian complete a health history and sign a permission form.
How does Smart Smiles work?
Our Smart Smiles Coordinator schedules appointments with the Carilion Pediatric Dental Clinic. Boys & Girls Clubs provide transportation to dental appointments from school or the Club and offer educational activities to promote dental health.
How can a parent enroll their child?
Contact: Ben Denton, 540-904-7401 smartsmiles@bgcswva.org