Mayor Kawakami to proclaim Dec. 6 Kaua‘i Tele-Dentistry Pilot Project Day

As a result of community partners’ series of local dental clinics, Kaua‘i Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami will today proclaim Dec. 6, 2023 as Kaua‘i Tele-Dentistry Pilot Project Day during a formal ceremony at Līhu‘e Early Head Start.

The formal ceremony will take place at Līhu‘e Early Head Start from 2 to 3 p.m.

Child & Family Service, Hawai‘i’s family-centered, full-service nonprofit, in partnership with the Department of Health, Hoku Smiles, Hawaii Dental Services, Dr. Paul Glassman, Na Lei Wili, together host dental clinics on Kaua‘i, an initiative aimed at providing vital dental services to underserved children directly in the classroom environment and at WIC offices.

Hawai‘i has one of the highest prevalence of tooth decay in the United States. Seven out of every ten Hawai‘i third graders (71%) are affected by tooth decay; substantially higher than the national average of about five out of every ten (52%).

Hoku Smiles implemented the tele-dentistry pilot project (via the Virtual Dental Home Delivery of Care model) to address the oral health disparities that adversely affect Kaua‘i children.

The project’s primary objective is to provide dental care at community sites for the underserved and vulnerable populations, as well as provide oral health awareness, education, and instructions for patients, their families and community site programs.