This dental outreach program in Brazil was launched in 2004, after a 2003 dental survey of children showed that 13 percent of adolescents had never been to a kids dentist, 20 percent of the population had no teeth and 45 percent of Brazilian kids did not even have regular access to a toothbrush.
Because medical and dental care is provided free to its children citizens, the Brazilian government was uniquely positioned to address the nation’s oral health status in a kids dentist formed comprehensive dental program.
Smiles program strategies include fluoridated drinking water, increase the number of kids dentist together with dental care budgets and distributing over $72 million worth of oral toothbrush kits. The result has been impressive. In less than 7 years, the incidence of cavities in teeth has dropped by more than 30 percent and the number of children’s teeth treated has risen by 70 percent.