New initiative connects K-8 students with free emergency dental care through school partnerships
Local Dentists Partner with Schools to Provide Free Emergency Care
MCPHERSON, Kan. —A new program launching in McPherson aims to address the growing crisis of untreated dental pain among school children by connecting students with free emergency dental care. Smile Forward, developed by the Leadership McPherson Class of 2025, will partner USD 418 schools with Mid-Kansas Dental and Yowell Dental Group to provide critical oral health services to K-8 students experiencing severe tooth pain. The initiative, which begins in the 2025-26 school year, allows school nurses to refer families directly to participating dental offices that will provide pro bono emergency care, addressing a gap that has left many children suffering due to rising insurance costs and limited access to affordable dental providers.
The program builds on existing informal arrangements where local dentists have already been helping students in crisis. To support costs beyond what dentists can offer pro bono, the group has established a fund at the McPherson County Community Foundation. While initially serving McPherson schools, organizers hope to expand the program to other districts as more dental providers join the initiative.
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