Louisville, Ky.—Giving kids smiles in Louisville and its surrounding counties is a community-wide effort.

The University of Louisville School of Dentistry leads the way as a model partnership here known as Smile Kentucky has extended much-needed oral health care to more than 2,400 children since 2003.

As the dental profession turns out for the 9th celebration of Give Kids A Smile, a group of 120 children arrived at the University of Louisville School of Dentistry and six dental offices for the event, an access program that provides treatment, screenings and education to children.

Throughout February and March, more than 240 children are expected to receive care following school-based screenings. University officials say many of the children have never visited a dentist, while others have problems that have gone without treatment for months. Smile Kentucky provides over $100,000 worth of free dental services, including cleanings, fillings and sealants.

In its 9th year, Smile Kentucky tapped into its wide support network by asking the Louisville Dental Society for volunteers. The dental school’s renovation project has limited space an event like Give Kids A Smile, so this year Louisville dentist volunteers will treat 100 children in their own offices. Additionally, the dentists are donating staff time and treatment supplies.

“Providing much-needed dental care for these children is so important,” said Dr. Mark Schulte, a local dentist. “It was important to make sure we still addressed the needs while the renovation of the dental school is underway.” Dr. Schulte along with Dr. Dennis Price, Dr. Karen Nation, Dr. Robert McDade, Dr. Greg Karem, Dr. Marcus Gibson, and Drs. Steve and Ken Remmers are hosting the free treatment sites.

With its remodeled pediatric and orthodontics clinic, the University of Louisville will host most Smile Kentucky treatment programs taking place Feb. 4, Feb. 18 and March 11.

“By providing free dental screenings and treatment for uninsured children, Smile Kentucky has made a significant difference,” said Kentucky First Lady Jane Beshear. “This program, through boosting dental health, may also support increases in self-esteem and overall wellness for the children.”

In addition to the dental treatment, more than 20 businesses and community groups offer funding and support to Smile Kentucky, including Colgate; Louisville Water Co.; Texas Roadhouse; Chick-Fil-A; Bullitt County Health Department; NorthWest AHEC; Sullivan Schein; and the Prospect-Goshen Rotary Club.

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Be Mouth Healthy for Life!  Visit www.MouthHealthy.org for more information.