Back to School: Save the Date – Dental Clinic Day at CCAP – Thursday

This Thursday, August 22nd, CCAP will hold a “Dental Clinic Day” with Back to School pediatric screenings and promoting oral health.

(This is a developing story with details on how to participate not provided as we publish – check back for specifics as this article will be updated – or contact CCAP directly at: 427-4080).

The clinic day is sponsored by the Rhode Island Dental Association (RIDA), in conjunction with CCAP, a family-centered medical and dental care provider, with locations in Cranston, Coventry, and Warwick.

Dr. Gayathri Shenoy, who performs the annual dental school screenings for the elementary and middle school children in Cranston said, “Roughly nine million children, ages six to twelve, miss school because of an oral health issue. Sadly, kids with poor oral health are three times more likely to miss school due to an emergent oral health condition and two times more likely to perform poorly academically.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), tooth decay, also known as cavities, is the most common chronic childhood disease in the United States and the leading cause of missed school among children. On average, 34 million school hours and two million days are lost each year because of unplanned or emergency dental care.

From CCAP Family Dental Services

Community Dental Programs

West Bay Smiles

The West Bay Smiles dental program is a school-based dental program that delivers dental care to your child at their school. We use portable dental equipment and offer oral examinations, cleanings, sealants, and oral Health Education. Any child in need of restorative care is referred for treatment on the Molar Express or their dental home.  The community dental programs are offered at no out-of-pocket expense to our patients

The Molar Express

The Molar Express, sponsored by Ronald McDonald House Charities, is a 40-foot long, specially designed dental office on wheels which travels to many RI communities. The program targets children up to age 21, many of whom are living in poverty or have no dental insurance. We partner with two other highly experienced RI health and human service providers (East Bay Community Action Programs and Thundermist Health Centers) along with Ronald McDonald House Charities of Eastern New England to bring full dental services to our communities.

For more information on our community programs, please call 401-427-4080.

Family Dentistry

• Pediatric, adolescent and adult dentistry
• Hygiene
• West Bay Smiles: School-based pediatric 2-21 years of age
• Molar Express: Mobile Pediatric Community Dentistry
• Caring & Comfortable Atmosphere

Tara Pratt, the dental director of CCAP said, “”Access to dental care is not just about a smile, but about the health and future of our children. When children lack dental care, they risk more than just cavities—they risk missing school, falling behind in their education, and suffering from pain that can affect their overall quality of life.”

“Oral Health and attendance are directly correlated. We want to thank Governor McKee, Commissioner Infante-Green, and their staffs as they continue to highlight their ‘Attendance Matters’ campaign across Rhode Island,” stated Aaron Guckian, Executive Director of the Rhode Island Dental Association (RIDA). 

Dr. Raymond Cohlmia, Executive Director of the American Dental Association (ADA), and Dr. Joke Alesh, have taped video messages about the importance of school attendance:  here and here.

Did you know poor oral Health can affect kids’ performance in school, & even lead to missing class? Staying well is an important part of school attendance. Thank you @adanews Dr. Cohlmia for being part of the #AttendanceMattersRI video campaign! https://t.co/J9Ymlf4sxD pic.twitter.com/RYiBfSpXFk

— Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) (@RIDeptEd) August 14, 2024

President of the Rhode Island Dental Association, Dr. Andrew “Andy” Gazerro continued, “Our teeth are meant to last a lifetime and are important to a child’s self-esteem. No one wants to be bullied, let alone bullied about their smile.  With proper care, a balanced diet, and regular dental visits, their teeth can remain healthy, beautiful and strong.”

Marie Jones Bridges, of Rite Smiles continued, “UnitedHealthcare welcomes the opportunity to partner with RIDA and CCAP to improve access to preventive dental care which will help reduce incidences of childhood caries and other major causes of dental pain, which will ultimately reduce school absenteeism.”

About CCAP 

CCAP is one of Rhode Island’s largest organizations dedicated solely to fighting the war on poverty. Their professional staff provides a wide spectrum of services designed to help those in immediate need and empower anyone desiring to become more self-sufficient. CCAP oral health professionals are located at our facilities in Cranston, Warwick, and Coventry. Our dentists and hygienists provide a full range of comprehensive dental services to both children and adults. They offer Sliding Scale discounts for patients who are financially eligible. CCAP does not limit access to service due to inability to pay.

About RIDA

The Rhode Island Dental Association (RIDA) is a professional organization of Rhode Island dentists dedicated to the service of the public and advancement of the profession through education, advocacy, and member services. We serve as our members’ main source of information on oral health in Rhode Island. RIDA members have access to local, state and federal political advocacy, Continuing Education, marketing services and more. The RIDA is also an invaluable resource for the general public. Whether you are looking for a dentist close to you, want to learn the latest on oral health or have questions about oral health, the Rhode Island Dental Association is here to help you. Members of the RIDA have made a special commitment to uphold the ethical code, practice standards and mission of the RIDA: to improve the dental health of the public and to promote the art and science of dentistry.

About RIte Smiles

RIte Smiles is committed to providing quality dental care for your child(ren).  As the Rlte Smiles program administrator, UnitedHealthcare contracts with dental providers and dental clinics so your child(ren) have access to the dental services they need. Rlte Smiles covers preventive care, check‐ups, and dental treatment services for Medicaid eligible children born on or after May 1, 2000.