For the estimated 17,000 children in New York City’s foster care system, there’s been a big problem looming. Many of these children do not receive adequate dental care, due to either lack of insurance or lack of a stable home. As a result, New York City foster children suffer from cavities and often go without basic services like cleanings and exams. But, according to a report in the Dental Tribune, some caring community members have teamed up to change that.
Working in conjunction with the Administration for Children’s Services (ACS), students at New York University’s school of dentistry, along with experts at the Nicholas Scoppetta Children’s Center, have teamed up to provide free-of-charge dental screenings, cleanings and services to foster children living in the five boroughs. According to the Dental Tribune, impoverished children like those in the New York City foster care system experience cavities at twice the already-high rate of children who are not living in poverty.
The program also provides free education to the children, so they know how to properly care for their teeth once their exam ends. So far, the program has helped over 100 children get the oral health care they need. And it’s not just good news for foster children in New York City. Experts hope the program’s success encourages other communities around the country to adopt a similar program for their own foster care community. Now that’s something to smile about.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Abelar, please call 858-256-4264.
