Free Dental Services Offered to East Haven, Branford Uninsured or Underinsured Children

The Branford Healthy Smiles Program has joined numerous local dentists to offer a town-wide Give Kids a Smile event on Saturday, February 13, 2016 from 9 am-2 pm, according to a prepared statement. 

This program provides Branford or East Haven children 21 and under, who are uninsured or underinsured, with free dental services at dentist offices through-out Branford and East Haven. Local dentists committed to participating include: Branford Dental Care, Dr. Karen Gallo, Dr. Ping Ge, Dr. Hillary Mendillo, and Dr. John Michalak.

If you or someone you know might benefit from this free day of dental care, please call the Branford Counseling Center at 203-481-4248. The Counseling Center will be setting up appointments at these various dentist offices for this special day and answering any questions.

The Branford Healthy Smiles Program began in 2012 after several local organizations and dentists came together to discuss issues of oral health in Branford. The Branford Healthy Smiles Program is a local collaboration, providing oral health education, support, and improved access to dental services for all individuals within our community.

The American Dental Association (ADA) launched the Give Kids A Smile program nationally in 2003 as a way for dentists to join others in the community to provide dental services to underserved children. Each year, about 350,000 to 400,000 children benefit from more than these events nationwide.

The high volume of patients participating in charitable events/clinics like Give Kids A Smile highlights a clear gap between those with and without good dental health. Considering that oral health is connected to total health, financial barriers to care should be of major concern to the leaders of our state.

The ultimate goal is to establish a local dental home for these children, providing continuity of care.

For more information, please contact Sharon Smith-Alling, RDH, MS at branfordhealthysmiles@gmail.com or The Branford Counseling Center at 203-481-4248