The Iowa Department of Public Health program which helps kids get the proper dental care held steady in the past year at a little more than 50-thousand cases. Department oral health consultant Stephanie Chickering says that goes a little against past trends for what they call the “I-Smile” program.
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Chickering — who is a dental hygienist — says getting the kids to the dentist can make a difference beyond helping them prevent cavities and having a nice smile.
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There are 23 I-Smile coordinators around the state who are responsible for working with children and families; dentists and dental office staff; medical providers; school nurses, teachers and administrators; businesses; civic organizations; and social service organizations. The coordinators work for county health departments or private, non-profit organizations to administer I-Smile in all 99 Iowa counties