A smile isn’t just a way of making a great first impression; it can be a sign of good health, too.

Researchers are discovering new reasons to teach our kids to brush and floss daily and of the increasing importance of preventative dental care, and daily teeth cleaning.

For the many families who miss preventative care due to prohibitive costs, there’s help on the horizon.

A successful pilot program designed to promote healthier teeth in infants and children in Detroit, outer Wayne County, Kent County, and Oakland County is expanding.

The pilot is a partnership of Altarum’s Michigan Cares Prevention Program, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), and McMillen Health, and is funded by the Delta Dental Foundation.

The first year of the program helped to provide the kind of evidence needed to support its expansion.

The program’s aim—to educate staff and equip designated WIC clinics with dental supplies, like toothbrushes and floss—was a resounding success, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS).

In addition to supplies, the program also provided clinic visitors a referral to a local dentist specific to their zip code, making it more likely that families would then be able to easily access critical dental care services when needed.

“We are tremendously excited to be expanding this successful pilot that provides free training and resources to WIC clinics,” says Amanda DeLandsheer, Program Coordination Lead for the Michigan Caries Prevention Program. “This will enhance the ability of WIC program staff to provide high quality, coordinated care to Michigan families.”

With the expansion, an additional 46,000 children, or 20 percent of the state’s WIC participants, will have access to the program in year two—spreading education, knowledge, and healthier smiles across the state.

“The WIC program is a well-known and trusted community resource, providing services to low-income pregnant women and those with infants and children,” said Teri Battaglieri, Delta Dental Foundation director. “As such, WIC staff play an integral role in helping mothers learn about the importance of good oral health, the Healthy Kids Dental program, and how to find dental care for themselves and their children.”

The importance of such care cannot be underestimated, according to supporters.

Stan Bien, Director, Michigan WIC Program, MDHHS expounded upon the enthusiastic response from families on the receiving end of the pilot program, as well as WIC staff, who have both described their feedback as overwhelmingly positive. “They’ve been receptive, responsive, and grateful for the additional training,” he says. “We are excited to have the opportunity to grow this program beyond Detroit, so that thousands of additional children across Michigan will be able to have healthier smiles, and healthier lives.”

Lead image: Wave Break Media/Shutterstock

  Altarum’s Michigan Cares Prevention Program, and Children (WIC), Delta Dental, Delta Dental Foundation, dental care for children, Healthy Kids Dental program, importance of oral care, Infants, McMillen Health, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Women