Community Smiles is a community-based, fully-accredited, nonprofit dental clinic whose mission is providing oral health education and improving access to dental care for the uninsured, low-income children and families of Miami-Dade County.

Never in that time have the needs of those we serve been as great, or the challenges we face in serving them as large. In 2010, Jackson Memorial Hospital closed its community dental operations and terminated all financial support for the patients it refers to Community Smiles, dealing a major blow to the financial stability of our organization. Even as funding was cut, the backlog of patients without access to dental care mushroomed, exacerbated by economic downturn. Community Smiles was faced with a difficult choice: evolve or perish.

In response, we generated a blueprint to overhaul, modernize and streamline our operations, while redoubling our efforts to raise additional private funds. That blueprint has included full computerization of our operations, a transition to new digital x-ray imaging systems, overhauling sterilization, stocking and delivery of materials and supplies, and putting the right tools in the hands of our talented and dedicated volunteer doctors and residents. A reorganization of our staff structure has consolidated directorship of our Residency Program with management of our Faculty and enabled us to bring aboard a professional Clinic Director and Residency Program Director.

The volume and value of patient care we have provided in the past year has grown significantly, even as the quality of that care has risen. New materials and methods, notably including 3D digital impressioning and on-site milling and fabrication of crowns, have not only energized our volunteers, but made possible a level of service not previously available in our clinic. Wait times for our patients have fallen substantially, and with greater fidelity in our scheduling systems, cancellations and no-shows have fallen. In short, in the face of the greatest adversity in the organizations proud history, we have not merely survived; we have launched Community Smiles into a new era of accomplishment and service.

Many people do not see a dentist on a regular basis. They only go when they have a problem. This is known as crisis treatment versus preventive treatment. While these patients may feel they are saving money, it often ends up costing much more in dollars and time. This is because many dental problems do not have symptoms until they reach the advanced stages of the disease process. An example is tooth decay. It is typical to hear, Nothing hurts I dont have any problems.

Flossing reduces the number of bacteria in your mouth. There are millions of these microscopic creatures feeding on food particles left on your teeth. These bacteria live in plaque which can be removed by flossing. Brushing your teeth gets rid of some of the bacteria in your mouth. Flossing gets rid of the bacteria the toothbrush cant get to. Thats the bacteria hiding in the tiny spaces between your teeth. If you do not floss, you allow plaque to remain between your teeth. Eventually it hardens into tartar. Plaque can be removed by brushing. Only the dentist can remove tartar.

Make it fun! If you are enthusiastic about brushing your teeth, your children will also be enthusiastic. Children want to do the things their parents do. If your children see you brushing your teeth and displaying good dental habits, they will follow. Ask the dentist for other creative ways to get children to brush their teeth.

Always spend two to three minutes brushing your teeth. It takes that long to get rid of the bacteria that destroy tooth enamel. Do not brush too hard. It takes very little pressure to remove bacteria and plaque. Floss at least once a day. Flossing is the only way to get bacteria from between your teeth.

Watch the sugar you eat. There is sugar in candy, fruits, crackers and chips. These are the foods that the bacteria in your mouth like best. Be mindful of foods like raisins and peanut butter that stick to your teeth. They can provide a constant supply for the bacteria eating into your teeth. Try to minimize the times during the day when sweet items are eaten and brush your teeth afterwards.

If you cannot brush after a meal, rinse your mouth with water which can help to remove food from your teeth. Chewing sugarless gum after a meal can also help. Chewing deskulates the flow of your saliva which acts as a natural plaque-fighting substance. And do not forget your regular dental visits. Good dental habits will go a long way toward a no-cavity visit.

Finding and treating dental problems at an early stage can save time, money and often unnecessary discomfort. X-rays can detect damage to oral structures not visible during a regular exam. If you have a hidden tumor, X-rays may even help save your life. Dentist will evaluate your need for X-rays based on the conditions present in development. There are many benefits to having X-rays taken. Any additional questions or concerns should be discussed with your dentist.

Fluoride is a mineral that occurs naturally in many foods and in water. Some natural sources of fluoride are brewed tea, canned fish, cooked kale and spinach, apples, and skim milk. Some city water contains fluoride, so by drinking tap water you will acquire fluoride. If drinking water does not have fluoride, supplements are available.

The lack of exposure to fluoride places individuals of any age at risk for dental decay. Fluoride is important to dental health because it helps prevent tooth decay by making your tooth enamel more resistant to acid attacks from plaque bacteria in your mouth.

Studies have shown that children who consumed fluoridated water from birth had less dental decay. Fluoride can reverse early decay and help prevent osteoporosis, a disease that causes degenerative bone loss. Talk to your dentist or dental hygienist about whether youre getting the daily amount of fluoride you need.