TALLAHASSEE, FL (WTXL) - Second and sixth graders in Leon County got a chance to brighten their smiles Tuesday, thanks to a program that brings dental care to low income schools.
"Smile United" is a school-based program from the United Way of the Big Bend that gives students a dental assessment, oral cleaning, sealants, a personal dental kit, and more at no cost.
Organizers say poor oral health disproportionately affects low income students because their parents may have trouble getting time off work or are unable to provide a ride to the dentist.
That's why Fort Braden Elementary School Principal Jimbo Jackson says programs like Smile United make a big change.
"We look forward to offering these services because we know that many times the kids can't get the services and this is their only access to them," said Jackson. "By having this, we are able to keep good dental health which provides them a reason for coming to school."
Smile United says tooth decay is the number one chronic childhood disease in the U.S. and that kids miss more than 51 million school hours each year because of dental-related illness.
During the 2014-2015 school year, the group says 883 students were served and more than 2,400 teeth were sealed.
