Smile!
Affordable Dentistry is Coming to Town

By the end of the year CCAP will open two dental practices, one in Cranston, RI and one in Warwick, RI. These facilities will be part of our existing community based health centers; the Everett C. Wilcox Health Center in Warwick, and Family Health Services in Cranston.

At present there are no dental clinics that serve low income families in Warwick and Cranston. Access to dental services for low income populations through private dentists is extremely limited. The opening of these dental centers have been made possible by the support of Warwick's Mayor Scott Avedisian and Cranston's Mayor Stephen Laffey. CCAP has also received generous financial support from the RI Foundation, N.E. Gas, Ocean State Charities, Blue Cross/Blue Shield's Blue Angel Community Health Grant and a legislative grant from Cranston Representative James Davey.

CCAP's Cranston, Coventry and Warwick health centers currently provide care to more than 5,500 patients annually. These patients frequently report that they are unable to obtain dental treatment because they either lack dental insurance or cannot locate a dental office that will accept Medicaid. This often results in visits to the health centers for dental pain. Physicians currently struggle with referral options for these patients. The addition of dental services to our health centers' scope of care will enable these patients access to a full range of affordable healthcare.

CCAP recognizes the importance of dental care across the life span and for this reason will welcome patients of all ages to our newly developing dental facilities. However, because most community dental centers in Rhode Island are at capacity, it is expected that adults from outside of the Westbay area will seek dental treatment at our two sites, in addition to those patients currently receiving medical services at our health centers. Demand for CCAP dental services is therefore anticipated to be very high.

For more information on CCAP's Westbay Smiles Program call Patti McChrystal at 467-9610 extension 145.

Dental Services will be available at:

Wilcox Family Health Center
226 Buttonwoods Avenue • Warwick, RI 02886
732-9090

Family Health Services of Cranston
1090 Cranston Street • Cranston, RI 02920
943-1981

School Based Services & The Molar Express

In addition to the clinic based dental services, CCAP will be implementing a school based dental program called Westbay Smiles. Westbay Smiles will employ dentists and hygienists utilizing portable dental equipment to deliver preventive dental care (cleanings, exams, fluoride treatments, and sealants) to children in elementary school and Head Start settings.

When children are identified by the “Smiles” dental staff as needing restorative treatment, their parents will be given the option of bringing them to one of CCAP’s dental clinics or receiving treatment at school on “The Molar Express”.

The Molar Express is a Ronald McDonald House Charities Care Mobile that has two state of the art dental operatories. The Molar Express will serve children in 20 RI cities and towns. It is a collaborative effort between CCAP, Eastbay Community Action and Thundermist Health Centers.

For more information about the Molar Express click here to go to the CCAP website and click on the Frequently Asked Questions link or call:

1-866-MOLAR XP (1-866-665-2797)

The Molar Express is made possible by a generous grant and support from Ronald McDonald House Charities.

For more information about Ronald McDonald House Charities click here to access their web site.

Help Save A Smile

Dental care for children is expensive. We are in the process of raising funds to help build and equip the dental centers and school based programs. Your gift of any size will help us to provide much needed dental care for children.

There are several ways to make a donation. Send your donations to Westbay Smiles c/o CCAP 311 Doric Avenue, Cranston, RI 02910. We accept VISA and Master Card. If you have any questions please call 467-9610.