‘Give Kids a Smile’: Mecklenburg County to Serve Uninsured Children

A female child in a dental child while a female dentist conducts a dentist appointment.

Mecklenburg County Public Health will participate in National Give Kids A Smile Day offering free oral health services to uninsured Mecklenburg County children with a particular focus on ages 11 and under. In partnership with Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC), this community health equity event will serve 175 children. Public Health and other community partners will provide dental screenings and cleanings.  

“Oral health impacts all areas of life, such as school, nutrition, sleep and even recreation,” said Raydiance Swanston, Public Health pediatric dental clinic manager. “We want to reach the most vulnerable children in our community and support them. So many of the oral health issues that we’re seeing could have been addressed if the child had access to dental care.”

North Carolina data shows one in five kindergartners have tooth decay. About 25% of children in Mecklenburg County are found to have untreated cavities in their permanent teeth, with the majority coming from low-income families.

“In oral health, prevention is everything,” said Dr. Raynard Washington, Mecklenburg County Public Health director. “It’s alarming to see children with decay in their permanent teeth. This annual event is a great way for our pediatric dental clinic team and community partners to bring these vital, and sometimes lifesaving, services to our young residents. I am very proud of our work year-round to increase access to those who need us the most.”

In addition to providing services, the Give Kids A Smile Day event will offer health and wellness information to all families in English and Spanish.

Give Kids A Smile Day