Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) has launched a new initiative aimed at improving student health and classroom readiness by providing free on-site dental care at select schools across the district.
The program, called Big Smiles Dental, was officially introduced Tuesday at South Hialeah Elementary School, where district officials, healthcare partners, educators, and families gathered to mark the start of the pilot effort.
Superintendent Jose L. Dotres said the program reflects the district’s broader commitment to supporting students and their families beyond academics.
“The best thing in the world is to see a child smiling. A smile from a child, no matter who they are, just brightens your day. Now with Big Smiles, that smile becomes even prettier and louder,” Dotres said. “Whenever we can facilitate resources for families, like dental care, we are empowering and creating a better structure for our students and learning. That’s key.”
The launch event also drew Danny Espino, a member of the Miami-Dade School Board; Marcy Borofsky, co-founder and executive vice chair of Big Smiles Dental; school principal Dillon M. Williams; as well as district representatives, teachers, staff, and students.
Health experts say access to dental care remains a significant challenge for many children. According to data cited by the program, more than 51 million school hours are lost each year due to dental-related health issues, and about one in seven children experiences tooth pain at any given time. Florida also ranks last in the United States for dental access among low-income children.
Borofsky said untreated dental problems can have serious consequences for students’ learning and overall well-being.
“Dental decay is the number one chronic infectious disease of childhood, the top unmet health need for children, and with it, children cannot focus, learn, or thrive,” she said. “The solution is partnerships like this one with Miami-Dade County Public Schools, bringing care to where the children are.”
Through the program, a mobile dental team visits participating schools and sets up a temporary clinic on campus. The mobile unit includes dental chairs, sterilization equipment, and the tools needed for examinations and cleanings, along with a licensed dentist and dental assistant.
After completing services at one school, the team dismantles the mobile clinic and travels to the next participating campus.
Parents say the convenience of having dental care available at school will help families who might otherwise struggle to schedule appointments.
“I’m very happy with this idea. I won’t have to miss a day of work,” said parent Evelyn Delgado. “Having to shuttle two children around town to get their teeth cleaned is a lot. Having programs at our school like this is wonderful.”
Officials said the Big Smiles initiative will operate at select M-DCPS schools during its pilot phase, with the dental team returning every six months to provide follow-up care and treat new students.
