District expands in‑school dental access with Big Smiles Mobile Dentistry; program cost to district listed as zero

Board members received an update on Big Smiles Mobile Dentistry, a mobile dental program that visited district elementary schools this year. The presentation, given during the engagement committee report by elementary social worker Shana Parrish, described the program’s logistics and noted that it operates at no cost to the district.

Under the program, parents complete consent forms listing insurance information. For families without insurance, the presenter said a flat fee applies; the meeting referenced $80 as the uninsured flat rate. Basic care such as cleanings and fluoride is provided on-site; when restorative work is needed, the mobile dentist performs it and makes follow-up calls home where appropriate.

Committee members said Dickinson Elementary did not participate this year because no families at that building signed up. The board discussed plans to expand the program to middle and high schools and to offer two visits per school year (fall and spring) to align with routine checkups.

Several board members praised the program as a way to improve access to dental care for students who face obstacles to off-site appointments and noted that untreated dental pain can affect learning.

Clarifying details: the presentation identified participating elementary schools (Dickinson did not participate due to no signups), the program is zero cost to the district, and a flat fee of $80 was cited for uninsured families.