Community Coalition for Oral Health brightens smiles

For five years, a coalition of local organizations has been working to improve the oral health of locals who either have no dental insurance or are underinsured.

The nonprofit Community Coalition for Oral Health works to raise awareness of ways to keep teeth and gums healthy, says coalition coordinator Terri Chandler.

Working with the 25 member organizations, including Head Start and Safe Nest, the coalition also ensures that dental care reaches those who need it but can't afford it, she adds.

"We bring all those folks together, people who can provide care and people who need care," she says. "Oftentimes, families don't understand some of the vital needs for oral health. There are lots of things we can do to protect our oral health."

Some of those include teaching people about prevention through diet and changing behaviors that lead to poor oral health, she says. For instance, instead of putting a baby to bed with a bottle of milk, which contains sugars and can lead to tooth decay, use water.

"There's a huge population who don't get good oral care. They work and don't have dental insurance because a lot of businesses don't provide it. Then there are those who are destitute," Chandler says.

The lack of good oral health care is "considered an epidemic in our country; more of the federal dollars that helped with that are diminishing while need is rising because of things like (Hurricane) Katrina," she adds.

The coalition also provides dental services to qualified adults and children through two programs: 1DAY and Smiles Across America Las Vegas.

1DAY is a volunteer program in which the Southern Nevada Dental Society provides services to the underserved in Clark County. People must be screened for their need, Chandler says.

Smiles Across America Las Vegas uses grant money to fund programs at various organizations so that uninsured children can receive dental care, Chandler says.

Last year, the coalition distributed $40,000 to places such as the Huntridge Teen Clinic and other nonprofits. There also is the Miles for Smiles mobile dental unit, which travels to at-risk schools where kids are given cleanings and other dental care, Chandler says.