Bus brings dental care, smiles to kids in Hillsborough County

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A local dental program is improving the quality of life for students one smile at a time.

6-year-old Johnathan is on a bus, but not to ride it. He's getting his teeth cleaned.

Johnathan is taking part in the Suncoast Community Health Center traveling dental bus program. 

Chante Miller is the Dental Program Manager says, "Preventing dental disease will keep kids in school and healthy throughout their lifetime."

The initiative is called A Smile Every Mile" It's been around for eight years, to help reach under served children who live in southeastern Hillsborough County.

We're here to make sure every child has the opportunity to receive care, no matter what age, background, financial ability," Chante said.

So, far they have helped more than 40,000 children have a brighter smile.

"It's assets like theses that allows us to get out into the schools," said Bradley Herremans, the director of the Suncoast Community Health Center. "To actually bring dentistry out to the community which is where I feel that it needs to be."

The dental hygienist does teeth cleanings and sealants for kids and adults, up to the age of 20.

"It's more than just cleaning a tooth, or putting a sealant on we're helping to improve the overall health and education and well being of the child," Chante said.

Helping children have a bright and pretty smile to improve their lives for the future. The program is free and only accepts Medicaid as payment.