Public Health and Central Piedmont Community College Provide Dental Care at Give Kids a Smile Day

This weekend, Mecklenburg County Public Health provided free dental and other health services to nearly 400 residents through the Give Kids a Smile Day event. The event, in partnership with Central Piedmont Community College Dental Hygiene Program, is part of a national initiative of the American Dental Association to promote pediatric dental health.

“We’re proud to once again work with Central Piedmont Community College to serve our community and ensure optimal dental health for our children, regardless of their background or insurance,” said Raydiance Swanston, Mecklenburg County Public Health Pediatric Dental Clinic manager.

“This third year of collaboration between Central Piedmont Community College and Mecklenburg County is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when we come together,” said Nicole Roberge, an instructor of dental hygiene at Central Piedmont Community College. “It’s an honor to serve our underinsured children and help ensure access to care that can change lives—one smile at a time.” 

Mecklenburg Public Health employees and Central Piedmont Community College health sciences faculty, staff, and students donated their time to provide services and care including free dental cleanings, dental exams, and fluoride treatment – as well as free vaccinations, including the MMR vaccine for measles.
“Oral health is a window to a person’s overall health and well-being,” said Mary Fredrich, Mecklenburg County Public Health dental hygienist. “By helping kids get an early start on their dental health, we can set them up for a lifetime of healthy habits.”

North Carolina data shows that 11.3 percent of kindergartners in state Region IV, including Mecklenburg County, have tooth decay. Dental disease in children can be reduced effectively through prevention initiatives for oral health. Such efforts reduce loss-of-learning time due to school absences. About 25 percent of children in Mecklenburg County are found to have untreated cavities in their permanent teeth, with the majority coming from low-income families.

Mecklenburg Public Health operates the MeckDental Clinic which provides pediatric dental services to eligible county residents and also has a mobile unit that provides dental services in partnership with Charlotte-Mecklenburg County Schools.