60. That’s how many years local program WellPartners has been making sure no child in the Midlands has to go without dental care.

Operated by United Way of the Midlands in partnership with Lexington Medical Center, Prisma Health, and Richland + Lexington Counties, WellPartners provides free vital services for uninsured + underinsured families – and this month marks the 60th anniversary of their Children’s Dental Clinic.

Last year, WellPartners provided free dental services to 876 children in Richland and Lexington counties (a $430,000+ value – at no cost). When you add in their adult patients, those numbers increase to 4,847 child + adult patients served last year with a total of 21,884 treatments at a value of $2,213,000+.

DYK that untreated dental disease in children can lead to problems with eating, speaking, + learning? According to WellPartners, children with dental pain are three times more likely to miss school than those with healthy teeth + gums.

Who’s eligible to visit WellPartners? Children five or older who:

attend a public school in Richland or Lexington county
are enrolled in a free or reduced lunch program
don’t qualify for Medicaid or other insurance
are referred by their school nurse.

United Way and their community partners provide the funding + the space, and 200+ volunteer dentists and hygienists from across the Midlands volunteer their time to make this program happen. Many dentists are involved generationally (i.e. their mothers or grandfathers volunteered), and all volunteers are clearly dedicated + compassionate. Some have gone as far as taking cleft palate cases into their own offices for private care… for free. 👏

But you don’t have to be a dentist or an optometrist to volunteer. WellPartners could use your help filling out forms, answering phones, providing interpretation, helping with intake of patients + more. Click here or below to learn more about volunteer opportunities or call WellPartners at 803-888-1590 – or support WellPartners + other United Way programs by donating here. Ⓟ