SmileMobile Back Into Town to Serve Low-Income Students' Dental Needs

The dentists are back in town.

The Washington Dental Service's SmileMobile is back for another stint in the back parking lot at Clover Park High School, this time through March 30. Appointments are available between 12:45-4 p.m. on Monday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. the rest of next week.

The SmileMobile is a fully equipped dental clinic that provides free and low-cost dental care to children from birth through high school that come from families with a limited income. It is an operation of the Washington Dental Association Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the organization, and Seattle Children’s Hospital.

Since hitting the road in July 1995, the volunteer dentists and hygienists have treated more than 25,000 children throughout Washington.

“We kept them busy last year,” said Sue Biles, Clover Park’s Registered Nurse.

Biles added that the clinic coming in March makes things easier for the school district than last year, when it came to town right around graduation. However, children do not have to attend school in CPSD in order to be seen.

With an extended amount of time for the crew to work this year, the SmileMobile has 96 total slots to provide children care ranging from exams and cleanings to sealants and fillings. Major dental work is contracted out.

Having access to such care eradicates numerous problems for children, Biles said.

“What we know is that students who are having mouth pain don’t eat as well, so their nutrition is poor. They’re in pain, so they don’t sleep, and then they can’t focus in class and their grades slip.

“On the school side, if we can help out with the dental issue, grades will go up, and attendance will go up.”

In addition to providing free care, the SmileMobile accepts insurance and Provider One (DSHS) on a sliding scale fee. The fee can waive up to 95 percent, depending on family size and income.

For more information or to make an appointment, contact Biles at 253-583-5504.