South Dakota has hired seven hygienists and 15 health coordinators to improve the oral health of Native Americans on reservations.
A $3.3 million grant from the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) will be used to hire workers to provide preventive care and public education in clinics, schools, and other agencies, according to a story in the Argus Leader.
The project, Circle of Smiles: Improving Oral Health Care in Indian Country, will serve tribal children up to age 9, along with those with diabetes and others. Another goal is to change attitudes toward dental care on reservations.
The three-year grant will go to Delta Dental, Indian Health Service, the South Dakota Dental Association, and the Great Plains Tribal Chairmen's Health Board. Delta Dental has been running a mobile dental program serving 73 communities, using vans from Ronald McDonald House since 2004.
The grant is the only oral health project among more than 100 that CMS awarded nationally for various initiatives.
Delta Dental expects to contribute an additional $1 million for equipment and training.
