M-DCPS Launches Big Smiles Dental Program to Provide Free On-Site Care and Enhance Student Readiness

Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) celebrated the launch of the Big Smiles Dental Program at South Hialeah Elementary School on Tuesday. The program will provide free dental services for students at select District schools.

“The best thing in the world is to see a child smiling. A smile from a child, no matter who they are, just brightens your day. Now with Big Smiles, that smile becomes even prettier and louder,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Jose L. Dotres. “Whenever we can facilitate resources for families, like dental care, we are empowering and creating a better structure for our students and learning. That’s key.”

In addition to Dr. Dotres, School Board Member Danny Espino, Big Smiles Dental Co-Founder and Executive Vice Chair Dr. Marcy Borofsky, District representatives, Principal Dr. Dillon M. Williams, school staff, teachers, and students all gathered at the celebratory event.

Over 51 million school hours are lost each year due to poor dental health; at any given time, 1 in 7 children is suffering from tooth pain. Florida ranks 50th in dental access for low-income children. Big Smiles Dental, which has worked with 8,000 school partners nationwide, has seen students more than 10 million times over the course of 30 years, and is hoping to alleviate this crisis by partnering with M-DCPS.

“Dental decay is the number one chronic infectious disease of childhood, the top unmet health need for children, and with it, children cannot focus, learn, or thrive,” said Dr. Borofsky. “The solution is partnerships like this one with Miami-Dade County Public Schools, bringing care to where the children are.”

Pictured left to right: Chief Operating Officer Luis E. Diaz, South Hialeah Elementary Principal Dr. Dillon M. Williams, School Board member Danny Espino, Big Smiles Dental Co-Founder and Executive Vice Chair Dr. Marcy Borofsky, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Jose L. Dotres surrounded bySouth Hialeah Elementary students.

Dr. Borofsky said that when the Big Smiles Dental team comes to a school, they set up a mobile dental office, complete with dental chairs, sterilization units, dental assistant tools, and most importantly, a licensed dentist and a dental assistant. And after the visit, all the equipment is broken down to provide services to students at the next school.

“I’m very happy with this idea. I won’t have to miss a day of work,” said parent Evelyn Delgado. “Having to shuttle two children around town to get their teeth cleaned is a lot.  Having programs at our school like this is wonderful.” 

Big Smiles Dental will provide on-site dental services at select M-DCPS schools participating in the pilot program. The program returns six months after the initial visit for follow-up treatments and to see new patients.

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