March 11, 2022

A Houston Health Department program that helps remove barriers to learning through free preventative dental services is back at full capacity. The Project Saving Smiles mission on March 7-11 was the largest since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The five-day mission at the West End Multi-Service Center provided free dental screenings, sealants, fluoride varnish, and oral health education to approximately 626 Houston-area second graders.

“We are seeing more children with dental issues and there is no doubt in my mind that lack of access to dental care during the pandemic is a big factor,” said Dr. Justine Jimenez, program operations chief. “To me, this highlights the critical need for and importance of providing preventive dental services to children in a mass setting like Project Saving Smiles.”

The program, a public-private partnership supported by the Houston Health Foundation, helps students succeed academically by providing free services to prevent tooth decay.

Studies show that children who suffer from oral health problems cannot concentrate on schoolwork and miss days from class due to pain. It's estimated that 51 million school hours are lost each year in the United States due to dental-related illness.

“By sealing and protecting children's first permanent molars at this age, we can reduce the likelihood they’ll develop cavities or other oral problems that will prevent them from concentrating in the classroom,” said Dr. Teresita Ladrillo, program director.

Project Saving Smiles targets elementary schools in Houston area school districts and charter schools that have 50% or more of students enrolled in the Free and Reduced Lunch Program. Participating schools provide bus transportation for their students to and from the location.

Since its inception in 2008, the program has provided 74,758 dental screenings, 235,474 dental sealants, 73,819 fluoride varnishes, and oral health education free of charge. The value of services provided through the program is estimated at $9.7 million since its launch. 

Project Saving Smiles partners with area organizations like the University of Texas School of Dentistry, Houston Community College, University of Texas School of Public Health, and the Texas Oral Health Coalition for volunteer dental services.

For more information about Project Saving Smiles, visit houstonhealth.org or houstonhealthfoundation.org.