Kool Smiles

Kool Smiles is a prominent dental services provider established in 2002, with its headquarters in Marietta, Georgia, within the Greater Atlanta area. The brand was founded by Dr. Tu Tran and Dr. Thien Pham with a core mission to expand access to high-quality dental care for children and families, particularly those in low-income and underserved communities across the United States. Kool Smiles operates a network of over 100 dental clinics across sixteen states, making them one of the leading providers of Dental Service Organizations (DSOs). Their approach emphasizes making dental care accessible and enjoyable, especially for young patients. This is evident in their clinic designs, which often feature bright, colorful waiting rooms with play areas to alleviate the anxiety commonly associated with dental appointments for children. The services offered by Kool Smiles are comprehensive, catering to both children and adults. These include preventive care such as cleanings and fluoride treatments, diagnostic imaging, and restorative care like fillings and crowns. They also provide specialized services, with some partner clinics offering pediatric dentistry and orthodontics. A significant aspect of their service model is their commitment to accepting a wide range of payment options, including Medicaid, State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), TRICARE (military insurance), and various commercial insurance plans, along with cash and credit options. They also facilitate sign-ups for CareCredit. Beyond clinical services, Kool Smiles is actively involved in community outreach and oral health education. They partner with local schools and community organizations to provide free curriculum on oral health and dental care, aiming to instill good dental habits from an early age. Their "Sharing Smiles Day" is an annual event where Kool Smiles locations offer free dental care to uninsured children under 18, demonstrating their dedication to giving back to the communities they serve. Since 2005, Kool Smiles has provided over $100 million in free care to underserved children and families. While generally well-regarded for their mission, Kool Smiles has faced scrutiny in the past regarding allegations of Medicaid fraud and controversies related to patient care quality. In response, the company has stated its commitment to adhering to American Dental Association (ADA) and American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) standards, asserting that clinical and patient treatment decisions are made independently by their dentists. Overall, Kool Smiles positions itself as a family-friendly dental provider striving to bridge the gap in dental care access for a vulnerable population, combining professional dental services with a patient-centered, community-focused approach.