Testimonials Here's what our clients are saying about our programs. "The wonderful hygienists from Smile Partners were kind enough to come help our students at Silver Lake Elementary School. They took the time to orient our staff and students to their program by attending an early-morning staff meeting, and also dedicating a full day presenting (in a kid friendly way) at our grade level assemblies. At these presentations, our students learned about what causes cavities, how sealants help prevent decay, and about good oral hygiene. When they began serving children at our school, they took care to create a schedule that would have the least impact on our student's instructional day. This was not an easy feat! They actually served 1/3 of our school population! Plus, the hygienists were so wonderful with our shy and sometimes hesitant little students, making them feel comfortable with dental equipment and encouraging their continued oral care. We appreciate their hard work and the beautiful smiles they have created for our students." Jesse Rodriguez, School Counselor Silver Lake Elementary 1310 SW 325th Place Federal Way, WA 98023 253-945-3908 "In the year 2000, the US Surgeon General issued a report showing dental caries to be the number one most preventable disease in young children. Eight years later it remains the number one most preventable disease. One of the effective treatments is the use of fluoride, which can be taken orally, provided in the municipal water supply, or applied topically. Unfortunately, the use of fluoride in municipal water supplies has elicited a number of uninformed, emotionally-charged responses in local populations. The use of dental screening in preschool classrooms and the application of topical fluoride is becoming more widespread throughout the country. An old medical dictum is "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." The use of classroom dental screening and topical fluoride is a step in the right direction. Washington State Smile Partners, in my experience, has been well-received by the children and by the parents. The Registered Dental Hygienists offering this service are to be commended." Roger Slater, MD Head Start Health Coordinator "Our partnership with Washington State Smile Partners has been instrumental in allowing us to bring preventative oral health services to many of the adolescents who access our School Based Health Clinic. Smile Partners staff truly care about the oral health of our students and work to educate them on the importance of good oral hygiene and the impact this has on their overall health. The screenings, cleanings and sealant they have provided have made a positive difference in the lives of these teens. We look forward to our continued relationship with Smile Partners." Candy Cardinal, M.P.A. Public Health Educator, Kitsap County Health District Spectrum Community School School Based Health Clinic Kingston Washington "Mirror Lake Elementary has teamed with Kate Mills and Smile Partners for the past three years where many of my families have taken advantage of this wonderful service. Kate and her team are so professional, organized, and efficient that their work does not interrupt our school-day flow. Our kids now look forward to "their turn in the chair." More importantly, each year Smile Partners detect a handful of students whose teeth are in such crisis that urgent care is required. If left undetected, these students would still be sitting in our classrooms unable to fully learn due to their teeth hurting." Thank you Kate and team!!! Kent Cross Principal, Mirror Lake Elementary