Page 6 - America's ToothFairy 2024 Impact

DENTAL RESOURCE PROGRAM
Members Making a Difference
Millions of American kids lack access to professional dental care. They may live in rural areas where the closest dental office is hours away and their parents lack a reliable vehicle. Others may live in an urban location where there aren’t providers accepting patients with state- funded insurance. Whatever the obstacle, our members are uniquely equipped to meet the needs of children living in at-risk communities.
Heartland Community Health Center Lawrence, KS
Heartland makes a significant impact in rural communities by providing essential oral health services to kids who face unique challenges in accessing dental care. They rely on grant funding and donations to keep their clinic and outreach programs operational, ensuring that financial limitations do not prevent children from receiving crucial health services.
Heartland confronts multiple barriers to oral health in their community, such as lack of insurance coverage, financial constraints, transportation challenges, and language barriers. They address these issues through innovative solutions, including mobile dental clinics that serve over 100 schools across 12 districts and 10 counties, and employ bilingual staff and cultural liaisons to better reach diverse families. Heartland’s mobile clinics visit schools 2-3 times each year, providing both preventive and restorative care on-site to ensure that transportation limitations do not impede a child’s access to essential dental services.
For preschool children, Heartland offers integrated healthcare services, where medical and dental teams travel to five locations to provide health screenings before the school year begins. This one-stop shop approach includes warm handoffs to resources for additional needs, including
behavioral health, food pantry access, housing, and insurance eligibility.
As Dental Resource Program members, this year Heartland received donated restorative products from GC America and education resource kits to help them reach underserved populations and fulfill their mission of serving all who need care.
A powerful example of Heartland’s work came this year when they received an In the Gap grant, which allowed them to help a high school student from a low-income family of six. The grant covered the cost of a much-needed crown for his front tooth, a service that provided both functional benefits and a boost in self-confidence.
Heartland’s partnership with America’s ToothFairy has enabled them to expand their reach and enhance the health and well-being of kids in rural communities. In fact, compared to the previous year, Heartland provided oral health education to 21% more kids, 260% more screenings, and saw a 242% increase in restorative care. Through their dedication and multifaceted approach, Heartland continues to make a lasting impact, ensuring that children grow up with the healthy smiles and confidence they need to succeed.
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