Creating smiles
Grundy County residents benefit from nonprofit dental program
BY LISA SAVAGE
E
rvin Argo suffered a traumatic brain injury and was in a coma for a time after he was involved in a wreck more than 20 years ago. “They told me he wouldn’t live,” his mother, Edith Cook, says. Argo survived, but it’s been a long road to recovery. He remains disabled, and he and his mother are on a fixed income. Insurance took care of many of his health care needs, but there was no money to fix his teeth. Now, thanks to Smiles Inc., a charitable dental service in South Pittsburg, the Grundy County man has new dentures. Smiles Inc., a nonprofit dental clinic, opened about four years ago, says Bobbi Hubbard, executive director at the clinic. Smiles Inc. is dedicated to improving oral health for low-income residents by providing access to affordable or free quality dental care. “The idea initially was to do free extractions to get people out of pain,” Hubbard says. The program now has expanded to include dentures, partials and cleanings for a small fee. Cleanings are $25, and dentures cost about $150 a set through the program. As a comparison, a typical cleaning costs about $100, and dentures usually start at about $2,000, Hubbard says.
UTC pre-dental student Cameron Azar, registered dental assistant Michele Steel and Dr. Bryan Elkins work with patient Ervin Argo at Smiles Inc.
“Anybody that is close enough to come to Smiles in South Pittsburg for an appointment and meets the low-income or no-insurance requirements is welcome,” Hubbard says. “For the people who come to our clinic, it can be difficult to have the money to even get here. We try to make sure that there isn’t a clinic closer than we are.” The clinic started after local nonprofit organizations wanted to raise money for a charity but didn’t know where help was needed most. Hubbard already volunteered for a nonprofit medical clinic, but dental care was needed and not available, she says. “We didn’t realize just how big the need was until we opened,” she says. Clinic hours depend on when dentists and hygienists who volunteer are available.
Bobbi Hubbard, executive director of Smiles Inc. Dr. Bryan Elkins works on dentures for Ervin Argo at Smiles Inc.
CONVENIENT SAVINGS The Smiles clinic is in South Pittsburg at the old National Guard Armory, but services are available for people from other areas in Tennessee and Alabama. The clinic has several patients from Grundy, Marion and Franklin counties, but it accepts qualifying patients from any area. Ben Lomand Connect
ABOUT SMILES INC. 107 E. 10th St., South Pittsburg, Tennessee, in the old National Guard Armory. Open to accept applications from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday. Smiles Inc. schedules appointments after receiving a completed application, along with proof of income and a copy of a photo ID. Call 423-228-3077 or email smilesfreedental@yahoo.com for more information.
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