Healthy Smiles Initiative: bolstering support for dental care in Tennessee
According to an article published in The Daily Herald, the Healthy Smiles Initiative may help improve access to oral health care across Tennessee.
Experts cited in the article stressed that dental health is often difficult to maintain for many Tennessee residents living in rural and underserved communities — who may have limited access to high-quality dental care.
Dental issues are known to impact self-confidence, professional success, overall well-being and risk of certain chronic diseases among Americans. According to research by the American Dental Association, in Tennessee, 45% of low-income adults say they avoid smiling, and 39% of them find life, in general, less satisfying as a result of mouth- and tooth-related issues — at least occasionally.
In 2022, the Healthy Smiles Initiative launched to increase the number of dentists practicing in Tennessee. By expanding the dental student capacities at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center and Meharry Medical College, introducing a student loan repayment program, establishing new clinics in the state and garnering support from business leaders and dental organizations, the Healthy Smiles Initiative seeks to improve the oral health of Tennessee residents.
Read more: The Daily Herald
The article presented here is intended to inform you about the broader media perspective on dentistry, regardless of its alignment with the ADA's stance. It is important to note that publication of an article does not imply the ADA's endorsement, agreement, or promotion of its content.