Children's Joins SmileMobile Project
August 11, 2006
Children’s is partnering with the Washington Dental Service Foundation SmileMobile to deliver oral health services to limited-income families who do not have access to health care.
“We understand that oral health is critical to a child’s overall health,” said Dr. Tom Hansen, CEO, Children’s Hospital. “This partnership recognizes our commitment to improving the oral health of children in our state.”
Children’s will staff the SmileMobile for 12 to 15 weeks a year. This first year we will provide free care to children in Enumclaw, Poulsbo, Forks, Lynwood and Monroe. Next year we expect to reach children in more distant locations, including eastern Washington.
Dr. Chris Delecki, dental director, Odessa Brown Children’s Clinic explains that the SmileMobile will also allow Children’s to build on current oral health training programs to reach physicians beyond the greater Puget Sound area.
“The SmileMobile partnership gives Children’s an opportunity to have an expanded role in improving the oral health status of children throughout Washington,” he says.