Project Name: Smiles For All

Relationship to QCHI: QCHI Project

Project Description: The Smiles For All team seeks to increase access to dental care prevention and treatment services for the underserved.

Target Audience: Low-income individuals of all ages living in the Quad Cities.

Start Date/Current Status:  The project team assembled in December 2002 and created a collaborative plan for action.  Team Workgroups are tasked with implementing plans to improve access for low-income individuals of all ages.

Project Goals and Objectives: 

1.  Develop a collaborative partnership with the local dental community
2.  Increase access to dental care prevention services for the underserved
3.  Increase access to dental care treatment services for the underserved

Project Performance/ Accomplishments: 

1.  Won a Senior Smiles grant to provide oral health education to seniors and caregivers
2.  Developed three elementary school education pilot projects
3.  Distributed oral health prevention material to new parents
4.  Distributed 15,000 oral health prevention kits to food pantries, local schools, senior meal sites, and 
     homeless shelters
5.  Partnered with Community Health Care, Inc. and local funders to develop a loan forgiveness program
     to attract three new dentists to the community.  Together, with the Quad Cities Oral Health   
     Partners, this team received a $50,000 grant from Volunteers in Health Care,the 
     American Dental Association and the American Dental Association Foundation.  Work under this
     grant created a Volunteer Care Network for oral healthcare in the Quad Cities that has served over
     300 individuals since 2004.
6.  Sponsored the inaugural visit of Christina's Smile Children's Dental Clinic in September 2003 and 
     supports the annual Give Kids A Smile Day activities.

Project Contacts: Dr. Bob Blew, Project Co-Chair (309-797-4336)
Dr. Fred Burnham, Project Co-Chair (563-449-9055)

View Team Meeting Material