VERSAILLES, Ohio--July 16 marked the opening of the 2010 season for TeamSmile, a nonprofit organization that teams up with major sports organizations across the country to provide quality dental care to children in underserved communities.The 2010 opener was hosted by the Kansas City Royals, the organization's third TeamSmile event, and was held at Kauffman Stadium for the children of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City. Dentists, dental professionals, suppliers, and other members of the dental community joined to provide free screening, clinical treatment, and oral health education.Dr. Bill Busch from the North Kansas City Dental Group created and cofounded TeamSmile in 2006 with Jason Krause of Henry Schein Dental. It started with a personal desire to do something to help the Greater Kansas City community. He was aware of the growing need for quality dental care for children in underserved segments of the population. Fewer than one in five underserved children see a dentist in any given year. In fact, the Surgeon General reports that dental decay is the most common chronic disease of childhood. The TeamSmile concept partners dental professionals with high-profile professional and collegiate sports teams to deliver professional, clinical dental treatments in a fun, event-oriented environment at professional sports venues.Although large and mobile, and surrounded by fun-filled activities, the clinical environment at TeamSmile is professional and high tech. The service children receive rivals that of the average dental office. In addition, children receive their dental records on a USB bracelet to promote the Electronic Dental Record. Fourteen portable dental operatories are set up to treat hundreds of children at each event, using the best-in-class equipment, products and volunteers. In the past five years, the growing success of the annual events has also brought challenges for the team. “We needed to improve our equipment to fit a mass-clinical environment that must also be portable. Fast turnaround on sterilization is critical, as well as being able to maintain an efficient, organized workflow,” said Dr. Busch. “We asked our friends at Henry Schein and Midmark for help. I knew they had the capability to work with us and understand our unique challenges and the unusual demands of our operation. I think it was a rewarding experience for all of us. As we worked together, it was apparent that we share a vision and commitment to serve our communities.” Midmark donated three Midmark M3 UltraFast Automatic Sterilizers to TeamSmile. The units are small enough for portability, simple to operate and provide a quick turnaround. Midmark also custom designed and built two multi-functional storage cabinets for the team. The cabinets are built to withstand the rigors of the environment over the long-term, and are designed to help facilitate an efficient and organized workflow. The cabinets have drawers that correspond to each operatory in the clinic, so technicians can go to their dedicated drawer for their supplies throughout the demanding and fast-paced event. The cabinets also provide secure storage for equipment and supplies when shipping to event locations. “The new equipment really made a difference at this season’s kickoff event,” said Dr. Busch. “It performed beautifully and helped us execute a smooth and efficient clinic. We are thrilled.” Eric Shirley, Midmark’s vice president and general manager, Dental Division, commented, “Dr. Busch is so passionate about this project and its potential, and we are honored to partner with him and his team to support this important initiative of helping children receive adequate dental care.” TeamSmile served 1,000 children in 2009 and could serve 3,000 in 2010. The 2010 calendar runs through Nov. 13 and includes events with the Chicago Bears, New Orleans Saints, Fresno State Bulldogs, the Justin Timberlake Shriners Open Golf Tournament, Kansas City Chiefs, and the Denver Nuggets. For more information about TeamSmile, visit www.teamsmile.org.For more information about Midmark, visit the company’s Web site at midmark.com.To read more about TeamSmile, go to TeamSmile.To comment on this topic, go to community.pennwelldentalgroup.com/.
