Kool Smiles Opens New Office in Elkhart

ELKHART, Ind., July 20, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Kool Smiles, a leading dental health provider for children and adults, has opened a new office in Elkhart.  Kool Smiles of Elkhart, which began seeing patients on July 11, puts quality dental care within reach of even more previously underserved area residents.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110512/CG00252LOGO)

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that tooth decay currently affects more than 19 percent of U.S. children aged 2-19—more than any other chronic infectious disease. Untreated pain and infections may lead to developmental problems, such as eating, speaking, playing and learning.  It's a problem Indiana statesmen aren't taking lightly.

"Kool Smiles will play an integral role in providing high quality dental care to those who have struggled to gain access to these services," observes Senator Carlin Yoder of Elkhart,"  Representative Tim Neese is equally enthusiastic.  "I welcome Kool Smiles to the Elkhart area and look forward to them helping to improve the health of area residents by provided much needed access to dental services in our community," Neese says.

The office opening is part of Kool Smiles' 2011 access initiative to meet the needs of the underserved dental community across America. "Our expansion into Elkhart provides yet another opportunity for our dentists to reverse the alarming rate of untreated dental cases among families in need," said Dr. Polly Buckey, DDS, MS, a board certified Pediatric Dentist and national spokesperson for Kool Smiles.

Kool Smiles of Elkhart accepts most types of insurance including Indiana Medicaid, Michigan Medicaid and Hoosier Healthwise. They offer quality dental care in a family-friendly environment.  The location is the latest in the company's 2011 grand openings across the U.S., including East Chicago, IN, Charleston, Columbia, and Greenville, SC, Takoma Park, MD, San Angelo, TX, Midwest City, OK, and New Orleans and Gretna, LA.

"We are excited to partner with area schools, daycare centers and local social service agencies to share the importance of oral health and education with underserved families," Buckey concludes.  "The Kool Smiles mission is to put affordable, quality dental care within reach of more families everywhere."

The Elkhart office is located at 3701 S Main St., Suite A150, near Concord Mall. To tour the new location or book an appointment, please call (574)830-8128.

Those interested in employment opportunities may visit the Kool Smiles Jobs website.

About Kool Smiles

Kool Smiles is a leading dental health provider dedicated to expanding access to quality dental care for children and families in underserved communities. Kool Smiles dentists are proud to offer care to kids and adults with almost any insurance plan, including State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), Medicaid and Tricare.  Kool Smiles also provides oral health education programs through partnerships with community schools and organizations. 

The alarming state of oral health today is the foundation upon which Kool Smiles has built its mission and vision. Despite the United States' status as the wealthiest country, the former U.S. Surgeon General concluded that oral care is the #1 unmet healthcare need for children. Over 50 percent of 5- to 9-year-old children have at least one cavity or filling, and that proportion increases to 78 percent among 17-year-olds. Oral health is essential to the general health and well-being of children and plays a critical role in their ability to succeed in school and acquire positive self-esteem.

To learn more about your options for children's dentistry or to find a local Kool Smiles dentist, please visit http://www.MyKoolSmiles.com.

SOURCE Kool Smiles