Boston, Ma., June 15, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cortland Dental & Braces, in partnership with dental practice support organization Benevis, helped provide free dental care and treatment to over 200 children and adults across the nation during its annual Sharing Smiles Day event. Sharing Smiles Day, held on May 22, 2022, provides an opportunity for uninsured or underinsured children and adults to receive dental care and treatments at no cost, including dental exams and cleanings, emergency care, extractions, and restorative care. The event started in 2015 to support Cortland Dental & Benevis’ belief that every family has the right to quality dental care in a convenient, safe, and supportive environment.
Four dentists from Cortland Dental volunteered their time, Dr. Ahmed Awad, Dr. Sabina Malla, Dr. Laila Uddin, and Dr. Reena Kandyala were part of 30 dentists who provided free dental services for Sharing Smiles Day. “Our Cortland Dental and Braces team was able to provide care for 8 patients who did not have access to dental care through a health plan. We are proud to be able to support our community this way,” shared Dr. Malla.
This year 294 team members from Cortland Dental and 22 other Benevis partner dental offices participated in Sharing Smiles Day. Since the program began, Sharing Smiles Day has provided dental relief to more than 2,000 uninsured and underinsured patients across 16 states through the efforts of more than 1,200 volunteers.
According to data from the Health Policy Institute, 49.6% of children with Medicaid coverage did not receive dental care in the previous 12 months. “Oral health is critical for good overall health and quality of life for everyone. Poor oral health can increase the risks associated with chronic diseases including heart disease and diabetes,” said Dr. Dale Mayfield, Benevis Chief Dental Officer. “Sharing Smiles Day provides a much-needed health service to our neighborhood families who may face gaps in coverage or insufficient dental insurance.”
For more information about Sharing Smiles Day, visit SharingSmilesDay.com.
About Cortland Dental & Braces
Cortland Dental & Braces is one of Massachusetts’s leaders in Medicaid and affordable dental care for children and their families. Supported by Benevis, Cortland Dental & Braces seven locations serve over 21,000 children on Medicaid annually. Cortland Dental & Braces and its doctors are committed to improving lives by providing high-quality dental care in a fun, compassionate environment. To learn more about Cortland Dental & Braces, visit www.CortlandDentalGroup.com.
About Benevis
Benevis is a comprehensive dental practice support service company focused on expanding access to dentistry by providing the highest quality practice support services to over 120 locally branded dental offices focused on pediatric dental care and orthodontics. Benevis works to improve lives by advocating for programs and legislation that ensures all families have access to the healthcare they need and deserve. Benevis’ support allows dentists to focus on providing high-quality care to their patients. For more information visit benevis.com.
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