Healthy Smiles of Spartanburg

Since the inception of Healthy Smiles free childrens dental clinic in 2007, 8,491 uninsured children ages 4 - 18 have received preventative treatment and basic restorative care; cleanings, oral exams, fillings, extractions, pulpotomies(baby root canal), stainless steel crowns, and space maintainers in a caring and compassionate environment. Licensed dental professionals work with every child on their level, at their pace, building a trusting relationship. With an average of 2 visits per child, urgent dental care valued at $248,640 was provided through 945 clinic visits in 2023-2024. To qualify for Healthy Smiles free childrens dental clinic, a child cannot have dental insurance, does not qualify for medicaid, and qualifies for free or reduced lunch programs.

Over 85,201 children and families in Spartanburg county are educated on prevention of oral disease and the importance of proper oral health by educational flyers in school registration packages, community health fairs, summer programs at boys and girls club, and Spartanburg and cherokee counties recreation parks. Focus on preventative care and early detection of tooth decay results in less cost per output and outcome and promotes dental health.

Since the inception of Healthy Smiles school-based screening program in 2008, 286,886 children in Spartanburg and cherokee counties have been screened, an average of 24,000 yearly screened. All children are screened in k4, k5, 1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th, and 9th or 10th grades in all seven Spartanburg county school districts and cherokee county school district. Education is provided to children on proper oral health and nutrition and its importance to their overall health. Childrens parents receive an oral assessment from the non-invasive dental screening providing further preventative and restorative dental treatment suggestions. Eligible children are referred into Healthy Smiles free childrens dental clinic held two weekends a month.