Hospital Stories

Hospital Story: Lehigh Valley Health Network Participates in Give Kids a Smile Day

Lucas Mantilla, DMD, dental resident, helps a patient on Give Kids a Smile Day.

Dr. Charles J. Incalcaterra is program director, department of dental medicine, at Lehigh Valley Health Network.

Each February, the American Dental Association (ADA) sponsors National Children's Dental Health Month to raise awareness about the importance of oral health. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), tooth decay is the most prevalent chronic disease in American children. Children five to seven years of age are estimated to lose more than seven million hours of school annually because of dental problems. 

Since 2004, the Department of Dental Medicine at Lehigh Valley Health Network has participated in the ADA's Give Kids A Smile Day. This nationwide outreach program was launched to encourage parents, health professionals and policymakers to address this important health care issue. Our health network's program is designed to improve access to care as well as to publicize the difficulties that many underprivileged people face in obtaining needed dental care in our community. 

For me this is the most rewarding day of the entire year. This year at our Allentown clinic alone (one of three that participated), four dental residents, three volunteer attending dentists and our support staff (hygienist, assistants and front desk personnel) provided free care to 26 children, performing 132 procedures at a value of over $7500. Over the last seven years we have cared for more than 200 children on this one day alone at a value of well over $50,000.  Services included x-rays, cleanings, preventive sealants, restorations, extractions, and even root canal therapy. Children received oral hygiene instructions and a gift bag containing a new toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss as well as small prizes.

As follow-up, parents are given a treatment plan for any care that was not completed and are asked to meet with the hospital's financial counselor so they can continue receiving care at a reduced fee or free of charge.

Although we are taking a very small step, we are committed to improving the oral health of our area's children and preventing those lost school hours. The children and their parents are extremely appreciative of the care we provide.

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