SALISBURY – The Rowan County Health Department Smile Center received a $5,000 Smiles for Kids grant from the Delta Dental Foundation (DDF) to increase the amount of uninsured Rowan County women who receive prenatal dental care and promote education and outreach about the importance of good oral health during pregnancy.

According to the American Dental Association (ADA), visiting the dentist during pregnancy is safe, and ignoring oral health problems can contribute to negative pregnancy outcomes. Changes that occur during pregnancy can increase the mother’s risk of oral conditions such as gingivitis and cavities, so it is important that they are counseled by both their obstetrician and dentist on the importance of good oral hygiene throughout pregnancy.

“We are so grateful for the support of Delta Dental,” said Nina Oliver, health director of the Rowan County Health Department. “With their support we are able to provide treatment and access to important dental care to a population who would otherwise go without care, which we all know is not healthy for both mom and baby.”

The Delta Dental Foundation focuses on ensuring that children and adults in North Carolina receive high-quality oral health education and dental care. The grant received by the Rowan County Health Department Smile Center is one of 19 grants totaling $65,800 that DDF is donating to North Carolina oral health organizations and programs.

This is the fourth year the Rowan County Health Department Smile Center has been awarded a Smiles for Kids grant. Grant recipients were selected based on criteria that included the number of at-risk children served, the uniqueness of the program, the level of community involvement in the program and the ability to measure results.

The Rowan County Health Department’s Smile Center is open Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Smile Center accepts Medicaid, Health Choice, private insurance, and provides care on a sliding fee scale based on family size and income if you are not eligible for Medicaid or Health Choice. You can make an appointment by calling the Smile Center at 704-216-8796. The Smile Center is located at 1811 East Innes St., Salisbury, NC 28146.