THE NEED

Harris County is home to the largest population of uninsured children in the state of Texas.  Many of these uninsured families struggle to access routine dental care for their children, and many times, by the time they can, they are faced with extensive dental, and expensive fees that may be unaffordable to the family. Studies show that there is a correlation between dental care and academic performance, and findings conclude that oral care has a significant impact on school experiences, which affect attendance and grades.*

the partnership: Cis + UtHealth

In 1997, CIS launched the Project MOVE Dental Program in partnership with the UTHealth School of Dentistry at Houston to address this critical need across the Greater Houston Area. The goal for this program is to alleviate dental issues from being obstacles to student success in the classroom and achievement in life.

This partnership provides:

  • Preventative services

    • Oral Health Presentations: UTHealth provides oral health presentations to early elementary school students, covering topics such as brushing techniques, flossing, importance of dentist visits, importance of a health diet and more. Students also receive a dental care kit with a toothbrush, floss and other incentives.

  • Restorative services

    • Mobile Dental Van Program: brings dental services directly to the students at their campuses.

    • Give Kids a Smile Event: UTHealth invites CIS students to receive services at day-long event at UTSD Pediatric Clinic in the Texas Medical Center.

      • The event serves up to 150 students and provides transportations to families who need it.

      • Services include: dental screenings, diagnostic imaging/x-rays, extractions, fluoride varnish, nutritional counseling, and follow-up referrals for students in need of extensive services that are offered the opportunity to return to the clinic for more treatment.

  • No cost to families

CIS also arranges round-trip transportation for each student and a parent from their community to Texas Medical Center at no cost to the family.

*Source: Impact of Poor Oral Health on Children’s School
Attendance and Performance: American Journal of Public Health