KinderSmile Foundation

KinderSmile Foundation is a leading non-profit organization promoting public health dentistry in New Jersey. Founded with the mission to provide comprehensive dental care and education to underserved children, perinatal mothers, and families, the foundation envisions a future where preventable dental diseases are eradicated. They operate several "Dental Homes," which are community oral health centers, including locations in Bloomfield, Newark, and Trenton. These centers serve as a critical resource, providing a permanent place for patients to receive ongoing dental care. The foundation's services go beyond standard dental clinics. They offer a range of programs designed to address specific community needs. The KinderSmile Oral Health Program (KSOHP) brings dental education, diagnostic, and preventive services directly to schools and community centers, partnering with early childhood and Head Start programs. This program is particularly effective in reaching at-risk children who may not have access to care otherwise. The KinderSmile Perinatal Health and Wellness Program (PHWP) focuses on breaking the cycle of untreated dental diseases by empowering pregnant and recently postpartum women with oral health education and providing free dental care to qualified participants. Additionally, KinderSmile Foundation runs the Give Back a Smile (GBAS) program, which allows licensed dental professionals to volunteer their services for uninsured and underserved patients. They also have a Community Service Learning Program (CSLP) that mentors future healthcare leaders by offering volunteer opportunities for students from high school through graduate school, including clinical shadowing and nonprofit internships. KinderSmile Foundation is committed to providing barrier-free access to care, accepting all forms of Medicaid and NJ FamilyCare, most private insurance plans, and offering an affordable fee schedule for uninsured families. Their approach is holistic, focusing on education, intervention, and prevention to empower patients and improve oral health outcomes for the community.