Wake County leaders were all smiles today as they “cut the floss” at the grand opening of a third no-cost children’s dental clinic that’s now part of the cross-county Regional Smiles program. In addition to Raleigh and Wake Forest, a third location is available in Fuquay-Varina offering free dental exams, teeth cleanings, x-rays and fluoride applications to those under 20 who don’t have insurance.
“October is National Dental Hygiene Month, and what better way to celebrate than to expand access to this vital program to yet another one of our Wake County Regional Centers, giving parents and caregivers easy options for their children’s dental health,” said Susan Evans, vice chair, Wake County Board of Commissioners. “Poor oral health is associated with chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease, so teaching kids the importance of taking care of their smiles while they are young, as well as providing the necessary access to care, we can ensure they are on the right track for a healthy lifestyle when they grow up.”
This newest clinic inside the Southern Regional Center in Fuquay-Varina will offer monthly dental appointments. It’s all part of program designed to help increase healthcare access to underserved areas of the county.
First started in 2017 with the award-winning Smiles at Sunnybrook, the program is funded by the NC Office of Rural Health. That clinic, located off Sunnybrook Road in Raleigh inside the Wake County Public Health Center, has helped more than 5,200 children since its opening. The program continued to expand with the offering of monthly dental clinics at Wake County’s Northern Regional Center in Wake Forest this February. Following this new clinic in Fuquay-Varina, county leaders are now eyeing opening a location in Wake County’s Eastern Regional Center in Zebulon.
Regional Smiles clinics offer no-cost:
- Exams
- Cleanings
- Fluoride applications
- X-rays
- Education
“Dental check-ups for children are crucial for maintaining their oral health and regular visits help in the early detection and prevention of dental issues, ensuring that kids have healthy teeth and gums as they grow,” said Wake County Dental Director Dr. Rebecca Sykes. “These check-ups also establish good oral hygiene habits that can last a lifetime."
Regional Smiles will be available by appointment only. Visits can be scheduled by calling 919-250-4610 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
To learn more about Wake County’s dental clinics, visit wake.gov/smiles.
