Be sure to watch Sweet Tooth, featuring Kids First Dental Services, on Kentucky Educational Television (KET). Check here for when to watch.
History
Kids First Dental Services was founded by Dr. Edwin Smith, a general dentist who owns and operates a private practice in Barbourville, KY. In 2004, Dr. Smith collaborated with local school personnel to explore ways to provide dental care to school children. They agreed that the best way to gain access for children was to take the care directly to them in the school. He purchased a used CAT scan trailer and outfitted it with used dental equipment. That was the beginning of Kids First Dental Services, a unique school-based dental program designed to improve access to dental care, particularly among low-income children.
What Kids First Dental Services Does
Kids First Dental Services offers preventive dental care to children, Preschool-12th grade. Our two mobile units provide the following services: x-rays, exams, cleanings, sealants, and fluoride. During the school year, a mobile dental unit is parked outside the school and the dental team works until each student with a signed consent form has been seen, regardless of their ability to pay. After the students have been seen, treatment plans are then sent to each student'’s parents detailing what services were performed, what actions need to be taken, and a list of local dentists where these services can be rendered. It is the hope of Kids First Dental Services that each student will have an educational, yet fun visit.
Objectives
Kids First Dental Services is committed to improving the oral health status of Kentucky by:
Where Kids First Dental Services Goes
Kids First Dental Services travels primarily in southeastern Kentucky, but is hoping to add counties all over the state in the future. Kids First's service area includes: Bell, Bracken, Breathitt, Breckinridge, Elliott, Estill, Fairview Independent, Gallatin, Harlan, Jackson, Johnson, Knox, Laurel, Letcher, Lincoln, Magoffin, Martin, Menifee, Morgan, Muhlenberg, Owsley, Pulaski, Robertson, Rockcastle, Rowan, Wayne, Whitley, and Wolfe counties. To schedule a visit for your school please contact us at: info_kidsfirstdental.org
The Support Staff
Kevin Buchanan-Project Consultant and co-founder of Kids First Dental Services. He can be contacted at kevin.buchanan_kidsfirstdental.org
Kristy Bailey-Office Assistant, has been an employee of Kids First Dental Services for three years.
Mary Baker-Public Relations, is in her second year with Kids First Dental Services.
Jo Davis-Office Manager, has been an employee of Kids First Dental Services for two years.
Donyah Wallace-On Site Coordinator, is in her first year with Kids First Dental Services.
Michael Willis-On Site Coordinator, certified in radiology.
The Dental Staff
Rebekah Baker, RDH-graduated from Big Sandy Community College in 2008.
Amy Campbell-Dental Assistant with expanded duties, certified in coronal polishing and radiology.
Ashley Grimes-Dental Assistant, certified in coronal polishing and radiology.
Mandy Harrison, RDH-graduated from Bluegrass Community and Technical College in 2010.
Jessica Jordan -Dental Assistant, certified in coronal polishing and radiology.
Jamie Rednour,RDH-graduated from Prestonsburg Community College in 2002.
Roszetta Willis-Dental Assistant, certified in coronal polishing and radiology.
Lori Wilson -Graduated from Big Sandy Community College in 2008.
The Dentists
Edwin E. Smith, DMD-Dr. Smith is a general dentist who owns and operates a private practice in Barbourville, KY. He graduated from the University of Kentucky School of Dentistry in 1989. Dr. Smith is a memeber of the American Dental Association, the Kentucky Dental Association, and the Kentucky School Board Association.
Robin Bonnell, DMD-Graduated from the University of Kentucky School of Dentistry in 1999.
Jessica Cooper, DMD-Graduated from the University of Kentucky School of Dentistry in 2009.
Melissa Murray, DMD-Graduated from the University of Louisville School of Dentistry in 2002.
ABC: How to Help the "Children of the Mountains"
ABC: PepsiCo to Support Dentist in Appalachia
ABC: A Hidden America: Children of the Mountains
ABC: Mobile Clinic Treats "Mountain Dew Mouth"
CorbinTimes Tribune: Kids First
Corbin Times Tribune: High School's Dental Program is One of a Kind
Corbin Times Tribune: Grim Chooses Union College
Corbin Times Tribune: College Bound
Corbin Times Tribune: Dental Delivery
Corbin Times Tribune:KCEOC Hopes to Fight Poor Oral Health in Rural KY
Daily Independent: A Visit From the Tooth Fairy
Daily Yonder: Rural Dental Care: The Younger, the Better
DentalPlans.com: Company Provides Kentucky Children With Dental Care
The State Journal: Filmmaker's Latest Brush with Ky. Airs Tonight
Herald-Dispatch: Factors Eat Away at Area's Dental Health
Herald-Dispatch: Efforts Underway to Improve Care of Teeth
Lexington Herald Leader: Donations Pour in After 20/20 Report on Appalachian Children
Medical News Today: Kentucky's Low Income Residents Lack Dental Insurance
The Mobile Health Clinics Network: Kids First Dental Care Serves the Poorest in Kentucky
Morehead News: Board Considering Child Dental Care Program
The Mountain Advocate: Mobile Dental Clinic Receives $25K
The Mountain Eagle: School Board Has More Money Than it Thought
The New York Times: In Kentucky's Teeth, Toll of Poverty and Neglect
Williamson Daily News: ABC News Report on Appalachia Brings Help to the Mountains
WYMT-TV: Dental Clinic Featured on 20/20 Gets Nationwide Support
WYMT-TV: Officials Get Thousands of Dollars to Imporve Dental Program for Kids
WYMT-TV: Dental Exams Soon Required for Students
KCHIP
National Maternal and Child Oral Health Resource Center
If you would like to make a donation to Kids First Dental Services with a personal check, please fill out a Donor Form.
A special thank you to the Walmart Foundation for their generous support.
Kids First Dental Services
16 Windburn Drive
Kids First Suite
Barbourville, KY 40906
(606) 546-7410
