Despite available Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Plan (CHIP) resources for oral health care, researchers have identified several barriers that exist for Medicaid beneficiaries attempting to access oral health services. Nationally, one major barrier cited to accessing oral health care was low dentist participation in Medicaid. Enrollment in Medicaid, however, did not ensure that dentists actually treated Medicaid beneficiaries, with many dentists enrolled in Medicaid but providing a minimum amount or no services to Medicaid beneficiaries. An in-school dental program can help bridge the gap, but we need to find ways to make Medicaid more economically viable for dentists so we can increase accessibility for this underserved population.
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Congratulations Smita Malhotra, MD, FAAP, chief medical director of LAUSD! Big Smiles is super excited to recognize you as the Smile America Partners 2024 CHILDREN'S HEALTH CHAMPION! Your visionary leadership with the Los Angeles Unified School District has had a profound impact on countless young lives by improving access to health care within the school environment to allow students to thrive. We can't wait to see what you'll do next! Steve Higginbotham
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It's always a great day when we are able to bring smiles and good oral health where they are needed! Great work by the team of Dr. Debra Kennedy, Kathie Hulswitt, RDH, Nicole Dalian, DA Donna Katou, dental team supervisor. CEO Steve Higginbotham was "schooled" in the latest shoe trends and other details of Kindergarten life. Happy smiles all around! #makingadifference
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Let's take a moment to honor the unsung heroes of our schools - the dedicated school nurses! We're honored to partner with you in supporting your students' health and well-being. We're deeply grateful for everything you do. As we celebrate National School Nurse Day, we're reminded of the importance of access to quality dental care for all children. That's why Big Smiles is dedicated to bringing essential dental services directly to schools, ensuring that underserved children have the opportunity to receive the care they deserve. To all the incredible school nurses out there, thank you for your never-ending dedication and hard work. You are truly making a difference in the lives of children, and we're honored to work with you. #HappyNationalSchoolNurseDay!
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The role of a school principal has evolved significantly over time. Beyond traditional education, schools now play a crucial role in addressing health-related issues. We are proud to partner with innovative principals across the country who recognize the value of an in-school dental program to ensure students stay healthy and in school learning. Thank you, principals, for your dedication to the holistic well-being of our students! #HappySchoolPrincipalsDay
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We’re #hiring a new Expanded Duties Dental Assistant in Louisville, Kentucky. Apply today or share this post with your network.
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We’re #hiring a new Registered Dental Hygienist in St Louis, Missouri. Apply today or share this post with your network.
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This is just the kind of poignant story we hear all too often. Imagine, a young child earnestly saving the money left to him by the toothfairy to help buy a car. To lighten the load for underserved families, the Big Smiles mobile dental program provides care to children at school. No special transportation needed. We are honored to provide this peace of mind to parents.
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