A recent study by the Kaiser foundation determined a third of the U.S. Population has skipped at least one dental appointment in the past few years because of financial limitations.
Conyers Dentist Dr. Mark Shurett is trying to change that statistic with Help a Child Smile, a fleet of fully powered vans that visit schools and treat children who otherwise might go without dental care.
Help a Child Smile vans fan out to schools across the state for cleanings, fillings and other treatments. "We cover approximately 90 of the 159 counties in Georgia," said Spokesman Joe Rhodes. "When we go into a new school district it is not unusual for school nurses to tell us in excess of 70 to 80 percent of the kids have never seen a dentist."
Many of the children qualify for Medicaid or Peachcare. The practice also treats some children pro bono or on a sliding scale.
Principals can contact Help A Child Smile at 770-760-7900 or 1-800-770-0388. Parents must sign permission slips for their children to be treated.