What is “Just for Grins”?

The Children’s Volunteer Health Network’s Mobile Dental Clinic (MDC), “Just for Grins,” began visiting Walton County elementary schools in September 2008. The purpose of the MDC is to provide preventive dental care to students Pre-K through 3rd grade on the free and reduced-lunch programs. The preventive care includes dental examinations, x-rays, cleaning, fluoride treatments and sealants (when appropriate).

What happened during the 2008-2009 school year on Just for Grins?

• 940 exams
• 847 sets of x-rays
• 905 cleanings
• 885 fluoride treatments
• 1882 teeth had the necessary sealants applied to protect them from future decay
Although the program’s initiative was preventive oral healthcare, we uncovered an overwhelming need for restorative treatments:
• 2102 cavities need fillings
• 69 puplotomies (root canals for baby teeth)
• 177 extractions
• 117 crowns
Additionally, we uncovered numerous infections, where antibiotics and a visit to a dentist or endodontist office was required.

What’s New for the 2009-2010 School Year?

Thanks to a grant from The Blue Foundation for a Healthy Florida, The Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation and a local family foundation, Children’s Volunteer Health Network’s “Just for Grins” is proud to announce the addition of a Restorative Care Program.
Beginning in September 2009, Just for Grins began providing the quality care and education it provided in its first year on the road, in addition to restorative work like fillings and simple extractions.
How Can You Help?
If you would like to make a contribution toward the operational costs of Just for Grins, you will be assisting us in providing eligible children the dental services they so desperately need to remain healthy and be productive students.
We are always looking for volunteers for Just for Grins to escort students between the classroom and bus.
If you are a dentist, dental assistant or hygienist and would like to volunteer your services on Just for Grins, please contact us.