California's Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) has initiated its second mobile dental van tour as part of the Smile, California campaign [f3d18443]. The campaign aims to raise awareness about good oral health habits and encourage the utilization of Medi-Cal dental benefits. The tour will provide preventive dental services to children and youth, with a particular focus on underserved areas that have limited access to dental care. Tooth decay is a prevalent issue in California, with six in ten children experiencing tooth decay by the third grade. However, tooth decay can largely be prevented through regular dental visits and good oral care habits. Medi-Cal members, including those under 21, are eligible for free preventive dental services such as check-ups, cleanings, and fillings [f3d18443].
The mobile dental van will make stops in Pixley, Hollister, Avenal, and Huntington Park, offering a range of services including exams, x-rays, cleaning, and fluoride applications. The tour is a collaborative effort between DHCS, the California Department of Public Health, local Medi-Cal dental providers, and community organizations. Medi-Cal members, medical providers, dental providers, and community-based organizations can find more information about Medi-Cal dental services on the Smile, California website [f3d18443].
In Texas, six dental practices will participate in the ninth annual Sharing Smiles Day on Sunday, May 19, 2024 [67e4c845]. The event, organized by parent company Benevis, aims to provide free dental care to uninsured or underinsured children and their families. The participating practices will offer services such as dental exams, limited emergency care, extractions, restorative care, and cleanings on a limited basis. Tooth decay is a prevalent issue, especially among children from low-income families, and Sharing Smiles Day aims to raise awareness about oral health and provide essential dental care to those in need. Over the past eight years, Benevis has provided dental relief to more than 3,000 patients across 13 U.S. states. The event is open to children up to age 18 and adults without Medicaid or other dental insurance. Families are encouraged to register in advance on the Sharing Smiles Day website [67e4c845].
Molina Healthcare of Nevada and Northern Nevada Public Health will distribute diapers and baby wipes to local families in need. The event is taking place on Tuesday, March 7 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Northern Nevada Public Health in Reno. The cost of diapers and other baby essentials is rising, causing strain on families' budgets. About 25 percent of parents have missed work or school due to not having enough diapers required to drop their children off at daycare. Molina Healthcare is partnering with Northern Nevada Public Health to provide families with free diapers and help ease the financial strains that come with welcoming a newborn to the family.
Advocates and families are praising Tennessee's plan to offer free diapers to Medicaid families. The initiative aims to alleviate financial strain on low-income families and improve the health and well-being of infants. The program will provide diapers to families enrolled in TennCare, the state's Medicaid program, starting in January 2025. The plan is expected to benefit approximately 7,000 families and will be funded through a combination of federal and state funds. Advocates believe that providing free diapers will help reduce the risk of diaper rash, infections, and other health issues for infants. They also argue that it will help families save money and improve their overall financial stability. The program is part of a broader effort to address the needs of low-income families and promote child health and development in Tennessee.