Wise, VA – The Health Wagon hosted a successful “Give Kids a Smile” outreach event on March 25-26, 2024, dedicated to providing much-needed dental care to pediatric patients in the rural communities of Southwest Virginia. Supported by the Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) School of Dentistry, this event addressed the significant shortage of pediatric dentists in Wise, Lee, Buchanan, Scott, Dickenson, and Russell counties.
The “Give Kids a Smile” event was a resounding success, providing comprehensive dental care to 79 pediatric patients, resulting in a total of 165 encounters. Services rendered included:
- 48 fillings
- 41 extractions
- 16 crowns
- One root canal
- 12 cleanings
- 22 sealants
- 18 other procedures
- 7 nitrous procedures
The total value of care provided was $15,054.09, based on Medicaid reimbursement rates. This initiative not only alleviated immediate dental health issues but also underscored the urgent need for more sustained dental care resources in these underserved areas.
Critical Shortages:
According to data from the County Health Rankings and Roadmaps by the University of Wisconsin Population Institute (2022), the counties served face a critical shortage of dental care providers, with dentist-to-population ratios significantly higher than those in wealthier eastern counties of Virginia:
- Buchanan County: 4,840:1
- Dickenson County: 13,730:1
- Wise County: 3,540:1
- Lee County: 4,400:1
- Scott County: 7,160:1
- Russell County: 8,480:1
In contrast, more affluent eastern counties have much lower ratios:
- Arlington County: 1,380:1
- Fairfax County: 860:1
- Loudoun County: 1,360:1
The economic disparity is further highlighted by median household income data from the Census Bureau ACS 5-year estimates (2022). Fairfax County, VA, has a median household income of $145,165, while Dickenson County, VA, has a median household income of $40,143, illustrating the economic and health care access divide between these regions.
Addressing Urgent Needs:
The Health Wagon’s event specifically targeted the pediatric population, a group at particular risk due to the specialized nature of pediatric dentistry and the lack of trained professionals in the region. Virginia’s Medicaid Smiles for Children program offers comprehensive dental services to children under age 21, and the Health Wagon is one of the few clinics in the area that accepts Medicaid patients, ensuring access to essential dental care for vulnerable populations.
Future Goals:
To further improve pediatric care, the Health Wagon aims to:
- Increase the number of children receiving preventive dental services.
- Integrate a holistic care model combining medical, behavioral, and oral health care.
- Promote school-based oral health programs.
- Improve access to and availability of dental services for children with disabilities.
Partnership with VCU School of Dentistry:
The Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry played an instrumental role in this event. VCU’s commitment to community service and dental education is exemplified by their involvement in outreach programs like “Give Kids a Smile.” The school’s participation provided invaluable hands-on experience for dental students and deepened their understanding of the unique challenges faced by rural communities. VCU’s dedication to improving oral health access and outcomes for underserved populations aligns perfectly with the mission of the Health Wagon, making this collaboration particularly impactful.
The “Give Kids a Smile” event highlighted the severe shortage of pediatric dental services in Southwest Virginia and demonstrated the critical role of partnerships between healthcare providers and educational institutions in addressing these gaps. The event’s success underscores the necessity for continued efforts and funding to expand access to dental care for the region’s children, ensuring that we can transform lives one smile at a time.
For more information about the Health Wagon and the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry’s programs, please visit www.thehealthwagon.org and https://dentistry.vcu.edu.
In the Media:
“Have a smile: Kids get dental screenings during national Give Kids a Smile Day”
