New smilemobile in Rochester

The Eastman Dental Center, part of the University of Rochester, has added a new SMILEmobile, a dental office on wheels which will allow city children increased access to much needed dental care.  It is one of four serving the area.

Thousands of underserved and uninsured children need dental care because of decay and infection. On the SMILEmobiles, children receive cleanings, fluoride, sealants, and other restorative services. The new SMILEmobile, which was made possible by a gift from the Ronald McDonald House Charities and others, means 2,400 additional students will now have access to care. Each SMILEmobile is staffed with a dentist, hygienist, dental assistant, and administrative coordinator.

Oral health problems are one of the leading causes of absenteeism from school. Research shows links between poor oral health and diabetes, heart disease, and low birth weight. Recent studies by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention showed that tooth decay in young children’s baby teeth is on the rise. When there’s decay in baby teeth, there’s a better chance of decay occurring in adult teeth.

Cyril Meyerowitz, DDS, director of the Eastman Dental Center, says that “Rochester’s inner city has the highest child poverty rate in all of New York.  He adds that, “early intervention is critical—and the SMILEmobiles are a huge part of the solution. Without them, there would be more cost to the local health care system, more work and school hours lost, and more children suffering.”

The Eastman Dental Center was established in 1915, and is the only major post doctoral dental education, research, and clinical institution in the U.S. within an academic medical center. The legacy of George Eastman continues to thrive with its extensive community outreach program helping underserved residents.