Volunteer Dentists Offer Free Visits For Children

Low-income children can get free dental care next week at the Spokane Valley Center of Sharing.

The SmileMobile, a dental office on wheels staffed by volunteer dentists, will visit the center from Aug. 28 to Sept. 1.

Dentists will screen children first to determine what kind of care they need, then schedule them for additional appointments later in the week.

“It’s overwhelming. The phone hasn’t stopped ringing,” said Michele Vanderlinde, who is scheduling appointments for Valley residents through the Spokane County Health District.

Children 13 years old or younger qualify for care at the SmileMobile. Dentists and hygienists also will teach children and their families about good oral health and will give each child a toothbrush, floss and toothpaste.

Care will be free for children enrolled in Medicaid. Others will be billed based on a sliding fee scale. Familes also may enroll in Medicaid at the SmileMobile.

“The SmileMobile has the potential to reach far beyond the thousands of Washington children who will directly benefit from it by serving as an example of what can be accomplished with a collaborative effort,” said Dr. James Sledge, a Spokane dentist who works on the SmileMobile.

Valley Center staffers were thrilled to hear the SmileMobile, which also has made stops at the West Central Community Center and Northeast Community Center, would be stopping in the Valley for the first time.

“I think it’s great,” said Barbara Olson, the center’s interim executive director. “We’re real excited about it. Most medical plans don’t cover dental.”

, DataTimes MEMO: This sidebar appeared with the story: For information To determine whether your child qualifies for the SmileMobile or to schedule an appointment, please call Michele Vanderlinde of the Spokane County Health District at 324-1550.