GRANTMAKING OUR PROGRAMS RESEARCH + INSIGHTS ABOUT US DONATE Dental Program View this page in Spanish | Ver esta página en Español The St. David’s Foundation Dental Program operates a fleet of mobile dental clinics in collaboration with local schools and community-based agencies to deliver free dental care to underserved children in Central Texas. In the wake of COVID-19, our dental team has been hard at work to pivot how we can provide the same quality of care while keeping staff and patients healthy and safe. Currently, the Dental Program has resumed clinical care seeing patients by appointment on a limited basis as we continue to closely monitor evolving guidelines to ensure the safest care and environment possible. Our enhanced infection control procedures and revised dental care protocols follow the recommendations made by the American Dental Association (ADA), the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Texas State Board of Dental Examiners (TSBDE), and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Every Smile Tells a Story With a fleet of nine mobile dental clinics, our Healthy Smiles program is spreading big, healthy smiles across Central Texas. As the largest mobile dental program providing charity care in the nation, we’re honored to be a model for similar efforts across the country. Our program offers free dental screenings, sealants and acute care to students at high needs elementary schools within six Central Texas school districts. When school’s not in session, our vans visit safety net clinics to serve adults and families. Each of our nine vans is equipped with two dental exam rooms, digital x-rays, and computer workstations. Our dedicated dentists, hygienists and dental assistants literally change lives, not only by addressing immediate needs, but also by educating students and instilling dental hygiene habits that will last a lifetime. How Our Program Works Step 1: Complete Dental Screenings During screenings, a licensed dentist will be looking at children’s teeth with a mirror to determine if they need treatment. If the dentist determines the child needs treatment, they will receive a ‘Dental Treatment Consent Form’ for parent’s approval. Students who do not need further treatment will also receive a form letting their parents know that no treatment is necessary. Step 2: Distribute Dental Treatment Consent Forms at School If during the screening the dentist determines that a student needs treatment, they will give them a Dental Treatment Consent Form for their parent’s signature. It is important that forms are filled completely. If a parent does not wish for their child to receive care, they may indicate so on the form and return. Step 3: Provide Free Dental Care to Students Our vans will arrive at the school and treat students who have returned signed Dental Treatment Consent Forms. Our trained and licensed staff will take students from class for treatment on the vans, and will return them when finished. Depending on the child’s need, multiple trips to the van may be necessary. Our staff is skilled with children and make sure they enjoy their visit, and miss as little class as possible. Frequently Asked Questions ¿Qué puede hacer el Programa Dental de la Fundación St. David’s para mi hijo(a)? La siguiente es una lista de los servicios proporcionados de forma gratuita, por los dentistas profesionales con licencia, en la clínica dental móvil que estará estacionada en la escuela de su hijo(a) durante el horario de clases: Exámenes dentales Rayos X limpiezas dentales Selladores (solo en los dientes permanentes) Rellenos blancos (únicamente en los dientes permanentes) What can the St. David’s Foundation Dental Program do for my child? What schools does the St. David’s Dental Program Serve? How are parents notified if a free dental screening is taking place at their children’s school? Who can use the St. David’s Dental Program’s services? If I accept treatment, will it affect my child’s current insurance status? Is my child’s dental treatment handled by volunteers, or students? Do I need to make an appointment for my child? What to Expect When the St. David’s Dental Program Visits Your School What Happens During a Dental Screening Sign up to Keep in Touch Follow us on: Search The St. David'S Foundation Site: © 2021 St. David's Foundation. All rights reserved. GRANTMAKING Our Strategic Priorities Evaluation and Strategic Learning Grants Grant Partners Grantee Homepage Funding Opportunities Community Health Needs Assessments OUR PROGRAMS COVID-19 Response Capacity Building Dental Program AgingWell Scholarships Toast of the Town RESEARCH + INSIGHTS ABOUT US Stories Board & Leadership Foundation Team Careers + Opportunities St. David’s HealthCare Innovation Center Financials and Annual Reports Contact Us