There's a glimmer of positive news for families in western Wake County grappling with the high costs of healthcare. The county has recently unveiled its latest effort to bring essential services to the uninsured population – a new Regional Smiles clinic offering free dental care for children and young adults up to age 20. As reported by Wake County, this initiative is a continuation of the established and successful Smiles at Sunnybrook program.
The program, which started back in 2017, has already provided vital preventive dental care to more than 7,000 uninsured children. The Wake County Board of Commissioner Chair Susan Evans highlighted the importance of dental health, telling Wake County, "Good oral health is critical for a child’s confidence, well-being and long-term success.” She notes the expanded access is a part of helping youngsters "develop healthy habits that last a lifetime."
The addition of the latest clinic in Cary bolsters the county's larger mission to improve healthcare access in underserved regions. So far, this expansion includes the Northern Regional Center, which opened in February 2023, along with the Southern and Eastern Regional Centers later the same year. The Cary facility promises monthly appointments, readily available for those without a safeguard of insurance. This effectively stitches a larger safety net across all of Wake County, ensuring that no child's smile is left to chance.
The services offered at these clinics are comprehensive, with no cost attached. Children can receive exams, cleanings, fluoride treatments, X-rays, along with valuable dental health education. However, Regional Smiles operates on an appointment-only basis. Families looking to tap into this resource can schedule a visit by calling 919-250-4610 during business hours, from Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
