 |
||||||||
 |
||||||||
|
||||||||
|
Needy kids' smiles serviced
By MONIQUE FIELDS, Times Staff Writer
ST. PETERSBURG -- Frantavia had one request when she climbed into a dental hygienist's chair. "I don't want you do to it hard," the 6-year-old said. Sarah Benge, a student at St. Petersburg College, promised to meet the girl's request and cleaned her teeth. The care Frantavia received Friday at St. Petersburg College on 66th Street N was part of the American Dental Association's "Give Kids a Smile Day." The Times is withholding the children's last names because they are in foster care. About 25 local dentists and SPC dental hygiene students gave 50 foster children a reason to smile as they cleaned their teeth. The national event enlisted dentists across the country who donated their services to highlight the challenges low-income and disabled children face in receiving dental care. Throughout the state, the Florida Dental Association joined with the Florida Department of Health and the Department of Children and Families to sponsor the event. The issue of dental care is critical, local dentists said. At least three children treated Friday hadn't seen a dentist in three years. "It's an issue I think is pervasive for low-income residents," said Dr. Mary Ann Pittman, who helped organize the local event. "My personal goal is to establish a network for charitable giving from the dental community." Since 1992, the state has provided immunity from liability for doctors who donate their services. But Pittman wants to see less bureaucracy and fewer obstacles for dentists who want to treat Medicaid patients. The paperwork alone can be so burdensome that dentists "almost have to hire someone to do the paperwork," she said. Pittman knows of few dentists in the St. Petersburg area who treat Medicaid patients, resulting in long waits or no care at all. In Pinellas, about 9 percent of the county's 587 licensed dentists between July 2000 and June 2001 accepted Medicaid, said Pat Glynn, spokesman for Florida's Medicaid program. Children who have Medicaid "have to wait a couple of months before they can get regular screenings," said Joi Lembke, assistant director of operations for Family Continuity, which handles foster care and other programs in Pinellas and Pasco counties. The problem is further complicated when foster children are returned to their parents. In some cases, the children are no longer eligible for Medicaid and their parents can't afford the out-of-pocket dental expenses. Friday, each child received a dental screening exam, X-rays, instruction on oral hygiene and fluoride treatments. They were sent home with toothbrushes and received referrals for a follow-up visit in a local dentist's office. Eight-year-old Ericka was grateful for the help. She didn't have any cavities, and she had kind words for the dentists who helped her and the other children. "They're good," she said, flashing a smile, "because they help your body and your mouth."
 © 2006 • All Rights Reserved • Tampa Bay Times
490 First Avenue South • St. Petersburg, FL 33701 • 727-893-8111 
|
From the Times South Pinellas desks |
