ORANGEBURG COUNTY, S.C. — Family Health Centers was awarded a $65,0000 grant from the Duke Endowment Foundation and Blue Cross Blue Shield Foundation to expand rural dental care in schools throughout Orangeburg, Calhoun, and Bamberg counties.
The grant will allow students in these counties to have access to dental care through the agency's mobile unit. It's part of a multi-year initiative designed to make dental care services accessible to people living in underserved communities.
“50 percent of them have never seen a dentist in their lifetime," said Family Health Center's CEO Leon Brunson.
He cites a statewide shortage in dental providers as a reason for why many school-aged children in the tri-county have not seen received dental care. He also says lack of affordability is another reason.
He cites a statewide shortage in dental providers as a reason for why many school-aged children in the tri-county have not seen received dental care. He also says lack of affordability is another reason.
The mobile unit will provide dental cleanings and cavity treatments. The mission is to help improve a child's overall quality of life.
“They can’t study and concentrate with a toothache. Other part of it, your dental care is very important to maintaining good health," said Brunson.
The goal is to begin mobile dental services in time for the upcoming school year. After obtaining additional funds, Family Health Centers aims to eventually add an additional mobile dental care unit to its fleet. FHC will be eligible to apply for a two-year implementation grant from The Duke Endowment this fall.