In West Virginia, only 12.5% of children visited a dentist in the past year, a rate that is less than half the national average. For many parents, taking their children to the dentist is a major challenge.
To address these challenges, national programs like Give Kids a Smile are working to improve access to quality dental care. The program as crated by the nonprofit arm of the American Dental Association and brought free dental services to Morgantown in February, giving more than 70 children access to essential dental care.
"Bringing your kids to the dentist was trying it was really trying for me. Maybe not for some people, but the cost — that’s the biggest thing," parent Merle McCloud said.
Rural communities in West Virginia face additional hurdles, including limited access to dental services and higher rates of dental problems. These issues contribute to significant oral health disparities across the state.
According to experts, nearly 1 in 5 third graders in West Virginia have untreated cavities, and almost half have experienced tooth decay. However, doctors emphasize that proper oral hygiene and regular cleanings can help reverse some of these issues.
“Access to care in West Virginia can be limited for children. We only have around 20 pediatric dentists in the state, so this is a great event to get the kids comfortable at the dentist and provide dental exams, radiographs, and cleanings,” Dr. Branson Martin said.
For parents like McCloud, the event is invaluable.
“To keep their teeth clean and healthy, because that’s the only teeth they have.”
By expanding access to pediatric dental care, doctors say West Virginia is taking a step toward a healthier future for its children.
This article was produced with the assistance of AI then edited by human journalists for accuracy and clarity. WVU News leverages AI to enhance efficiency and accuracy while maintaining a strong commitment to ethical reporting and human oversight.