{"id":135240,"date":"2024-09-18T23:38:45","date_gmt":"2024-09-19T03:38:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thevalleyledger.com\/?p=135240"},"modified":"2024-09-18T23:38:45","modified_gmt":"2024-09-19T03:38:45","slug":"mobile-dental-unit-gives-kids-miles-of-smiles","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thevalleyledger.com\/?p=135240","title":{"rendered":"Mobile Dental Unit Gives Kids \u2018Miles of Smiles\u2019"},"content":{"rendered":"

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LEHIGH VALLEY, Pa. (<\/strong>Sept. 17, 2024) \u2014\u00a0<\/strong>Lehigh Valley Reilly Children\u2019s Hospital at Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN) is stepping up children\u2019s dental care with a mobile van \u2013 fondly called \u201cMiles of Smiles.\u201d Bringing dental services right to children by visiting the schools they attend, the service is for any child up to age 18 but is primarily concentrated at the elementary level.<\/p>\n

Miles of Smiles will visit schools that have identified a gap in dental care and will expand their scope as the program progresses.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis project is a shining example of LVHN\u2019s commitment to all the people in our service area,\u201d says Anne Baum, President of Lehigh Valley Reilly Children\u2019s Hospital. \u201cIt\u2019s one more way we are extending the high-quality care for which LVHN is known, to everyone, our entire population. This true dedication to public health is at the core of LVHN\u2019s service.\u201d\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

The new van, Miles 2.0, is a second-generation effort made possible through a $500,000 grant from Capital Blue Cross. Miles 1.0 had to be discontinued at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. One dentist and a hygienist will work in two fully operational rooms inside the van. They will do fillings, extractions, cleanings, sealants, fluoride treatments and oral health education.<\/p>\n