December 8th 2024.
If you walk into a metro Denver school on any given day, chances are you'll come across the amazing staff of Kids in Need of Dentistry (KIND) providing free dental care and educating children on how to take care of their teeth. And we're not just talking about the teeth that will eventually fall out - we're talking about all of them, no matter how long they'll be around.
For over a century, KIND has been working with local children and families to break down barriers to oral health care. Every year, they provide dental services to nearly 6,000 kids through their Chopper Topper program, which offers free screenings and treatments at over 100 schools in the Denver area. They also have two oral health care centers where they serve around 700 children as regular patients, offering discounted services to uninsured and low-income families.
But for KIND, it's not just about the dental work - it's about building good habits that will last a lifetime. As Erin Breen, the director of development, explains, "It's not just about that one visit or collecting fees. Every appointment is an opportunity to set a child on a path towards good oral health."
Unfortunately, dental health is often neglected when families are struggling financially. That's where KIND comes in. As Lisa Phillips, KIND's board chair and a pediatric dentist, explains, "What KIND is doing is creating a culture of dental education for families who may not have considered it before."
As a recipient of a Denver Post Season To Share grant, KIND is on a mission to bring oral health care back to the forefront and dispel common myths about dental health in children. As Breen explains, "Some people think that because baby teeth will eventually fall out, they don't need to be taken care of. But the truth is, neglected teeth can lead to health issues at any age, and cavities in baby teeth can even rot into the bone."
To help spread their message and reach more families, KIND has various programs, such as their KIND Hearts Promatora program, which trains individuals to act as a bridge between the organization and their community. These Promotoras interact with around 3,000 community members each year through education sessions, feedback sessions, and apprenticeships.
Their apprentice program, which launched in June, is also making a big impact. With seven individuals training as dental assistants, community health care workers, and clinic employees, KIND is able to connect with even more families in need. As Breen explains, "The community we serve can be hesitant when it comes to doctors and dentists, and they may be wary of presenting paperwork. But with our program, there's no hidden agenda - we just want to help the kids. And that's what we're here for."
KIND is truly making a difference in the lives of children and families, and we are proud to support their mission. If you'd like to learn more about KIND and how you can help, visit their website at seasontoshare.com. Together, we can make a positive impact in our community and help those in need.
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