"Treatment is Good, Prevention is Better, but Early Prevention is Best"

The Super Smile Savers Program aims to reduce the prevalence of dental caries in Harris County by providing preventive care in the form of oral health education, oral assessments, fluoride varnish applications and referrals as needed. The strength of the program lies in its preventive approach to dental health, along with age-specific oral health education to develop healthy habits early on. Our first mobile dental clinic events began in October 2014, and to date, thousands of underserved children in Harris County have benefited from our preventive dental services at no cost to their families or schools.

PROGRAM COMPONENTS

A. Dental Health Promotion (Pre-K to 5th Grade) Preventive oral health education is delivered to students to enhance their understanding of how to care for their teeth and also reinforce positive and sustainable dental health practices.

B. Early Preventive Care (6 months to 6 years) Oral health assessments and fluoride varnish applications are provided to consented students by a Registered Dental Hygienist.

C. Referrals and Case Management Students who receive early preventive care will be sent home with a copy of their assessment form and a referral if needed. Patient navigation and case management are offered to those who need assistance accessing additional dental services.

OUR PARTNERS

Our program would not be possible without a collaborative effort between the Super Smile Savers Program and the schools throughout Harris County that participate in our program. Our mobile dental clinic services are conveniently provided on the campuses of participating schools. For children to be eligible to receive the free services they only need to have a signed consent form.

Some of the school districts, schools and agencies we have partnered with include:

The ultimate goal of the Super Smile Savers Program is to decrease the number of children in Harris County who suffer from untreated dental conditions due to inadequate access to care. We believe providing education to prevent disease development is a greater public service than simply treating oral disease once it presents itself.