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The 205 DDS initiative is a collaboration between Rockford Public School District 205 and dedicated healthcare providers that delivers essential dental services to students covered by state-sponsored dental insurance.

While DDS typically stands for Doctor of Dental Surgery, in this case, it stands for Direct Dental Services—a much-needed service in our community. In Rockford, we’re facing a dental crisis that jeopardizes the health of our children. Less than 5% of dentists in our area accept Medicaid, leaving many families without access to vital care.

Together with Dr. Jason Grinter, we’ve implemented comprehensive dental screenings in Rockford Public Schools. Last year alone, we screened approximately 12,000 students, and over half required some form of restorative treatment.

The crucial question remains… Once identified, how do we ensure these needs are met? Barriers abound for families seeking dental care. From transportation issues to difficulties taking time off work and finding dentists willing to accept state insurance, the challenges can feel insurmountable. Long waiting periods and frequent missed appointments only add to the frustration. Moreover, the lack of awareness regarding the significance of dental health presents an additional barrier.

Dentists often hesitate to provide these essential services due to the woeful reimbursement rates from the State of Illinois, which hover around a mere 24 cents on the dollar, compounded by a staggering 40% patient no-show rate.

But we can’t let this deter us. Our children depend on us to advocate for their well-being. Thanks to our innovative approach, after screening, students receive transportation from their schools to our offices, ensuring they don’t miss their appointments. This arrangement is unique in the state.

We must remember that children should not be held accountable for the choices their guardians make (or fail to make) regarding appropriate dental care. Dental issues contribute significantly to absenteeism and impact our students’ education and futures.

We’re on the verge of launching a new dental clinic, exclusively for Rockford School District students, at the former Stenstrom Center, which will soon become the College and Career Educational Center. This isn’t just about dental care; it’s about mentorship and providing students with a firsthand look at the dental profession. They will learn how dental healthcare teams work collaboratively, and they can explore various career paths available in this field—many of which don’t require a four-year degree.

To learn more about our vital mission to provide quality dental care to our children, visit 205DDS.org.