Detailed Introduction
Miles of Smiles, LTD is a prominent non-profit organization specializing in delivering preventive and educational dental services to children. Established in Pekin, Illinois, in 1999, their core mission revolves around increasing access to oral healthcare for children, particularly those who may not have a "dental home" or regular access to a dentist.
Their unique approach involves bringing dental care directly to children in their familiar environments, primarily schools, Head Start programs, and other community agencies. This school-based model significantly reduces barriers to access, such as transportation issues or parents needing to take time off work. Miles of Smiles, LTD works closely with schools in various districts, including Berkeley School District 87, and has multiple locations in Illinois, including Pekin and East Peoria.
The services provided by Miles of Smiles, LTD are comprehensive and focused on prevention. These typically include:
Dental Examinations: Visual inspection of soft tissues, teeth for decay, and assessment of bite.
Cleanings (Prophylaxis): Professional removal of tartar and plaque, followed by polishing.
Fluoride Treatments: Application of fluoride to strengthen tooth enamel and prevent cavities.
Dental Sealants: Application of a thin, protective coating on the chewing surfaces of back teeth to prevent decay.
A distinguishing feature of Miles of Smiles, LTD is their commitment to providing these services at no direct cost to the families or the schools. They achieve this by billing applicable entities such as the Illinois Medicaid program, public/private grants, or private dental insurance. Notably, they accept any reimbursement as final payment, ensuring that families and schools are never billed for co-payments, deductibles, or remaining balances. This financial model makes crucial dental care accessible to a broader population of children.
Miles of Smiles, LTD emphasizes the "dental home" ideology, encouraging continued oral health care by collaborating with local dental offices for children who require further treatment beyond their preventive services. They are staffed by a team of dental professionals, including licensed dentists, hygienists, and assistants, who are experienced in working with children of all ages and committed to treating each child with compassion and respect. Their dedication to improving children's oral health has been recognized, as evidenced by receiving the 2018 Champion Impact Award presented by the Oral Health Forum.
