Dental Care News: Kool Smiles Expands Access in South Carolina
Kool Smiles Expands Access in South Carolina; New Greenville Location Marks Third South Carolina Office Opening In Six Months
Kool Smiles, a leading dental health provider for children and adults, announced the opening of a new office in the K-Mart Plaza by Mills Avenue in Greenville. The company’s second office in Greenville opened May 23, offering residents convenient new options for affordable dental care. The new location is the third new office opened in South Carolina during the last six months, with other new openings in North Charleston and Columbia.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that tooth decay currently affects more than 19 percent of U.S. children aged 2-19-more than any other chronic infectious disease. Untreated pain and infections may lead to developmental problems, such as eating, speaking, playing and learning.
Senator Joel Lourie of Columbia feels the new offices come at a great time for South Carolina residents. “We are pleased to have Kool Smiles in our communities and appreciate the valuable services they will provide to children and families. At a time when more and more people are struggling to meet their medical and dental expenses, it is encouraging to see an organization like Kool Smiles open their doors for service.”
Representative Bruce Bannister of Greenville shares Lourie’s enthusiasm. “The community is delighted Kool Smiles has opened a second facility in Greenville, SC,” Bannister says. “Nothing is more important to a child’s health than receiving quality preventative dental care.”
The newest location was opened in response to a strong need in the Greenville area. “This expansion reflects the depth of our commitment to this community,” explains Dr. Polly Buckey, DDS, MS, a board certified Pediatric Dentist who serves as spokesperson for Kool Smiles. “With these additional dentists, we’re positioned to better meet the needs of our patients for preventative and restorative care.”
The new Kool Smiles office, which accepts most types of insurance, boasts a sophisticated electronic medical records system. But what most patients will notice first is the cheerful, family-friendly decor. There’s an indoor playground where kids can relax before and after treatment, and a large observation window so parents can keep a close eye on their children.
“The upbeat atmosphere of our offices puts patients of all ages at ease,” explains Dr. Buckey. “Children especially are more relaxed, so they have a more positive experience and are more likely to return for recommended preventative care. It’s all part of our effort to transform the way people feel about and care for their teeth.”
“This expansion is further proof of the sea change we’re affecting in South Carolina dental care,” Dr. Buckey said. “Between 1999 and 2006, South Carolina’s number of licensed dentists enrolled in Medicaid nearly doubled, making it easier for children to find care. We’re thrilled to be part of this important advancement in accessible dentistry.”
Kool Smiles of Greenville Mills Avenue office at #3 K-Mart Plaza, approximately three miles from the other Greenville Kool Smiles at 3227 West Blue Ridge Drive, is within easy reach of most Greenville area residents. It’s just the latest of numerous locations Kool Smiles has opened in 2011, including new offices in North Charleston and Columbia, SC, Takoma Park, MD, New Orleans and Gretna, LA, San Angelo, TX, and Midwest City, OK.
To tour the new Greenville Mills Avenue Kool Smiles office or to book an appointment, please call (864) 438-0939. Those interested in employment opportunities may visit the Kool Smiles Jobs website.
About Kool Smiles
Kool Smiles is a leading dental health provider dedicated to expanding access to quality dental care for children and families in underserved communities. Kool Smiles dentists are proud to offer care to kids and adults with almost any insurance plan, including State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), Medicaid and Tricare. Nationally, 97% of Kool Smiles patients plan to return and refer their friends and family. Kool Smiles also provides oral health education programs through partnerships with community schools and organizations.
The alarming state of oral health today is the foundation upon which Kool Smiles has built its mission and vision. Despite the United States’ status as the wealthiest country, the former U.S. Surgeon General concluded that oral care is the #1 unmet healthcare need for children. Over 50 percent of 5- to 9-year-old children have at least one cavity or filling, and that proportion increases to 78 percent among 17-year-olds. Oral health is essential to the general health and well-being of children and plays a critical role in their ability to succeed in school and acquire positive self-esteem.
Dental care pays dividends in overall health
While the economic crisis may have many necessities vying for scarce funds, skipping dental visits may be more costly in the long run. Difficult economic times often find people delaying or avoiding trips to the dentist, according to Deborah Locke, a licensed dental hygienist in New Jersey and New York with national board certification.
Downsized employees not only have lost medical benefits, but dental coverage, too, said Locke, who received her dental hygiene certificate from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine in Philadelphia.
“People may not be aware of many subtle dental changes, because they don’t feel them or recognize them. This can result in delayed or skipped dental visits,” said Locke, a Marlboro resident who has been an active dental hygienist for 30 years. “It takes a trained dental professional to see small changes that if left untreated may develop into major costly dental problems or even medical diseases.”
The key to good dental health, she said, is education and knowledge.
“One of my key roles as a dental hygienist is to explain to patients the etiology of dental diseases and what individuals can do to prevent dental problems. These dental ‘issues’ if left unchecked could affect a person’s ability to eat properly, compromising one’s ability to maintain proper nutrition, which in turn may negatively impact one’s general health.
“Bleeding of the gums and inflammation [puffiness] in the gums is not a normal dental state,” said Locke, who has a Bachelor of Science degree in health education from New York University. “It is estimated that more than 90 percent of the population is afflicted with some level of gum disease, which is a slow, relatively painless process that, if left untreated, can result in bone degradation and eventual tooth loss.”
She said the dental office is the starting point for dental education.
“Ask questions about your mouth, the proper way to floss and brush, and what dental aids or rinses really work,” said Locke, who also earned a Master of Business Administration degree in health care administration from the Bernard M. Baruch College and Mount Sinai School of Medicine joint program in New York. “Education empowers you to take ownership of your dental and general health.”
Proper flossing and brushing of teeth, she said, are preventive actions that can be done at home. “We recommend brushing teeth with a soft toothbrush a minimum of twice a day, preferably after meals,” said Locke. “Daily flossing is critical to remove bacterial plaque between the teeth that, if not removed, forms calculus, or tartar, which can destroy the fibers that hold the teeth in place.”
Locke pointed out the benefits of daily flossing and the use of certain devices such as oral irrigators or water flossers. One of her patients who is in her 90s describes herself as an avid flosser. When Locke checked the woman’s teeth, she was very impressed. “Therewas no evidence of gum disease, no active infections, no mobility of the teeth. ‘What’s your secret?’ I asked her. She said that she flossed every day, even as a youngster before dental floss was readily available. She didn’t like the feeling of anything stuck to her teeth, so she used thread from her mother’s sewing kit,” Locke explained.
Locke states that good nutrition is key to good dental and overall health.
“Learn how to balance your intake of acidic and alkaline foods. Ingesting highacidic foods and drinks as well as improper tooth-brushing technique are the two main reasons for tooth sensitivity. Certain drinks like red wine, soda, and even ‘seemingly healthy’ fruit juice, can erode enamel, which is the outer layer of the tooth,” she said. “Moderate intake of these items and drinking more water, the wonder drink, are recommended.”
Achild’s primary or deciduous teeth, also called baby teeth, are very important, Locke said. “The deciduous teeth help the child speak and chew and are as important as the permanent adult teeth,” she said. “Check with your dentist or pediatric dentist to determine when you should bring your toddler in for his/her first dental visit.”
It may be recommended to start dental checkups when the deciduous teeth appear but not later thanwhen all the primary teeth have appeared, usually between 2½ to 3 years old, she said.
Locke, who is passionate about dental education, said that preventive care cannot be overestimated.
“If we, the dental professionals, educate, instruct and motivate our patients to take good care of their mouths, and to reduce the burden of infections, then we will be helping them to control their overall health as well,” she said, adding that poor dental health and hygiene cuts across socioeconomic lines.
Internet websites, such as the American Dental Association and the American Dental Hygiene Association, offer information on various dental topics. “Discuss these topics with your dental professional,” she said. “It’s another way to empower yourself.”
If lack of dental insurance or sudden loss of income prevents proper professional dental care, Locke suggests speaking with your dentist. “Honestly explain your financial situation and try to negotiate a financial plan,” she said. “Also, speak with friends and relatives about where they receive their dental care.
“Optimal dental health is a great investment,” she added.
For those with financial concerns, she suggested looking into low-cost dental clinics that are associated with hospitals or medical schools.
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