Oct 12, 2012 3 min read

“She’s a happier, healthier kid” are words regularly heard during meetings between Cornerstone Care and West Greene School District these days. With the school year already in full motion, so is the Smile for Life program. Over the past year, visits by Cornerstone Care’s mobile medical and dental unit provide dental care and education to children conveniently on school grounds. “We have more kids than expected participating this year. We need to add more days just to handle the need,” said Brittany Tennyson, West Greene School District’s psychologist. More than 70 students returned parent permission forms in a matter of days. More are expected as parents learn about the program and word travels. The program kicked off the school year by delivering more than 320 age-appropriate toothbrushes to the Springhill-Freeport and Graysville elementary schools. Younger children received light-up brushes while older children received spin toothbrushes. Toothpaste and dental floss were donated by the Henry Schein Foundation. As a next step, Cornerstone Care’s mobile medical and dental unit is scheduled for on-site oral health care Oct. 18. Organizers are also planning for Nov. 7, 14 and 29 as permission forms continue to be received. “The presence of the mobile unit has been very helpful in reaching out to underserved children,” Shanna Yourcheck, prevention specialist from the Department of Human Services, stated. While on-site, the Greene County Tobacco Prevention Program is also providing tobacco awareness as it affects oral health. Parents deem the program a huge success because of its “convenience.” One parent said, “It is one less day you have to run around” as children see the dentist at school and are also provided educational materials about the importance of good oral health. Robert MtJoy, Cornerstone Care’s chief executive officer, agrees and added “with the program in place, parents don’t have to travel far distances for their children to see a dentist. The impact has been very positive in the communities Cornerstone Care serves with this program.” MtJoy also indicates the program is available for all children regardless if they have insurance. “We are creating good oral care habits and making it part of the norm,”said Donna Simpson, Cornerstone’s outreach manager. Cornerstone Care is able to expand dental care services directly to children thanks to a School-Based Health Center grant and partnership with West Greene School District. “It doesn’t stop there,” Simpson said. Plans include seeking partnerships with additional school districts throughout Greene County. For more information, call Simpson at 724-852-1001.