Concorde Staff
Tampa kids are smiling brighter today thanks to Concorde–Tampa and Heartland Dental’s partnership to deliver free pediatric dental assistance as part of National Children’s Dental Health month.
During the February 19 “Making Tampa Smile” event, kids aged 4-17 received free x-rays, dental cleanings, fluoride treatments, sealants, and nutritional counseling. Families brought children from the surrounding community and area schools promoted the event.
“Our high school was pleased to participate in the Making Tampa Smile event, which provided care for our students who needed it most. Maintaining good health, including oral health, allows our students to better focus on their college preparatory coursework,” said Derrick Brooks, co-founder of the Brooks DeBartolo Collegiate High School.
All services were provided by Concorde’s dental hygiene students under the direct supervision of faculty and licensed dental professionals. Heartland Dental worked with Colgate to provide dental kits to all kids in attendance.
“Seeing so many smiling kids at the event was deeply meaningful for our campus community. Preventive dental care begins in childhood, and we’re proud to provide children and families access to information and services for a happier, healthier tomorrow,” said Colette Stewart, dental hygiene program director for Concorde-Tampa. “Dental hygiene students were able to complete pediatric and adolescent clinical hours, while also learning how to guide patients and their families through the process of a healthcare visit.”
According to findings in the American Academy of Pediatric Dentists’ State of Little Teeth report, tooth decay is the most common chronic childhood disease, but is largely preventable. Good oral hygiene, including daily brushing and flossing, a healthy diet low in sugar, and early, regular dental visits, can help prevent and mitigate decay.
Lack of access to dental care impacts children’s oral health. Florida leads the nation in public health demand for dental care. According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, over 7 million Florida residents live in Dental Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs). Less than 1 in 5 Floridians living in HPSAs have their oral care needs met.
"We are proud to collaborate with Concorde in making a positive impact on the oral health of Tampa's children. 'Making Tampa Smile' exemplifies our shared commitment to serving communities in need and promoting preventive dental care,” stated Cathy Telles, campus recruiting manager at Heartland Dental. “By working together, we are fostering healthier futures for local families and reinforcing the importance of early dental intervention.”
The partnership between Concorde and Heartland Dental took root in 2021. Since then, Heartland has sponsored dental hygiene labs and graduate pinning ceremonies at Concorde’s Grand Prairie, Orlando and Tampa campuses. For the past two years, Heartland has provided dental hygiene scholarships at eight campuses nationwide. Plans are underway to renew the scholarship program — this year at nine campuses, given the new Jacksonville Dental Hygiene Program.
“We are grateful for Heartland’s growing commitment to Concorde, our dental hygiene programs and our students—many of whom they hire. Workforce solutions partnerships like ours are a shining example of how to meaningfully address the need for skilled dental professionals,” adds Felicia Haslom Davis, associate vice president, strategic and community partnerships at Concorde.
Ongoing Community Health Services
In addition to the one-day effort focused on pediatric dental care, Concorde-Tampa offers ongoing low-cost care to the community at its Dental Hygiene Clinic.
“Concorde is committed to community service. Our Dental Hygiene Clinic provides a great opportunity for community members to receive low or no-cost care, while providing our students valuable patient care experience,” said Stewart.
Concorde hosts Dental Hygiene Clinics at several campuses nationwide, which offer care to help those who don’t have insurance or have reached their maximum coverage. Under supervision, students at the Tampa clinic provide a variety of services including cleanings, sealants, x-rays, and tooth whitening.
Tampa’s clinic is open varying days from Monday–Thursday. The academic terms and holidays may affect scheduling availability on these days. For more information, or to set up an appointment at the Tampa clinic, call 813-314-2522 or 813-314-2523.
