EBCAP Goes the Extra Mile to Make Kids Smile

East Bay Community Action Program (EBCAP) is going the extra mile to make kids smile, and the non-profit agency is committed to literally logging hundreds of miles every year to bring dental care to kids in their own communities, right at their schools. Born out of necessity and creative problem solving, the agency’s community dental program will most likely care for more than 1,000 kids this year, many without dental insurance. And the agency can use your help.

With the need for dental care for uninsured children on the rise, EBCAP has dedicated its annual fundraising efforts to supporting Children’s Dental Care. The Annual Fund just launched with a direct mailing to EBCAP’s constituents, and it has been the focus of promotions via social media, the agency’s E-newsletter, and EBCAP’s Giving Tuesday message. For information on the Annual Fund and how to donate, please visit the agency's website page about the appeal on ebcap.org.

EBCAP’s Health Center is a Federally Qualified Community Health Center offering an integrated model of healthcare which includes medical, behavioral health and dental care. Oral health and good dental care are critical to the overall health of children and adults, however, as, Stephanie McCaffrey, EBCAP’s Vice President of Health Administration, explains “it is a real challenge to find dental practices that accept Medicaid and few, if any, offer discounted care or budget plans. EBCAP is the predominant safety net dental provider in the East Bay region. We serve as the ‘dental hub’ for people with low-incomes and uninsured people. We welcome all patients regardless of their insurance status.”

Although the agency is designed to serve the most vulnerable populations, the need continues to far outweigh existing capacity at its dental clinic in Newport (despite a recent renovation and expansion). Enter the Community Dental Program, a creative solution to address physical space constraints.

Last year EBCAP’s Community Dental Program cared for 952 children, who received 1,588 oral health services. Of those served, one in five were uninsured. And the need is increasing.

Working in cooperation with 29 public schools and 7 Head Start sites throughout the East Bay region, EBCAP dentists and hygienists provide care for children at their schools. Bringing dental care to kids at school is a win-win for schools and for kids and their families. It’s a win for schools because it helps students to be healthy and feel their best, and on-site appointments minimize students’ time away from learning. It’s a win for kids and families because the program cares for children regardless of their insurance status, and parents don’t have to miss work for appointments.

There are two components of the agency’s Community Dental Program –The Molar Express and East Bay Smiles.

The Molar Express is a state-of-the-art mobile dental center that provides comprehensive dental services to patients under the age of 21 at no out of pocket cost. It is presented by Ronald McDonald House Charities and operated by a partnership of East Bay Community Action Program, Comprehensive Community Action Program, and Thundermist Health Center. It travels to schools, Head Start sites, and other places in the community providing dental care.

East Bay Smiles operates year-round, and it provides continuation of care to students when the Molar Express is in use by the other partner agencies. Like the Molar Express, East Bay Smiles offers preventive and restorative care by qualified dentists and hygienists who are employed by the agency. With portable equipment, staff of East Bay Smiles set up a temporary “dental office” in the school setting.

East Bay Community Action Program is a private, non-profit 501 (c) (3) corporation that provides a wide array of health and human services to the residents of Rhode Island’s East Bay, including the municipalities of East Providence, Barrington, Warren, Bristol, Little Compton, Tiverton, Portsmouth, Middletown, Newport, and Jamestown. For more information regarding services and to learn how you too can Support the CAP which supports the East Bay Community, please visit ebcap.org.