Conway Regional Health Foundation has announced ongoing support for Smile Savers: Bringing Brighter Smiles to Students in Conway, with funding provided through a grant from United Way of Central Arkansas.  

Counselors and staff at Conway Public Schools identify students requiring dental care and coordinate access to services. The grant will fund dental treatment for 120 uninsured and underserved students during the 2025 academic year. Dental care will be provided by Gary Jones, DDS, and the team from the Conway Regional Interfaith Dental Clinic as part of a partnership between Conway Regional and the Conway School District.  

Many participating students face barriers to dental care, including factors that impact their health, confidence, classroom participation, and academic outcomes.  

The Smile Savers Program provides a range of dental services, including cleanings, extractions, fillings, and preventive treatments, at no cost to families. School data demonstrates a need for these services:  

• 29% of third graders in the district have untreated tooth decay.  

• Cost is a commonly cited reason for low-income individuals not seeking routine dental care.  

• In the Conway Public School District, 52% of students are classified as low-income.  

A recent example highlights the program’s effect: A student who relocated from Mexico after experiencing violence and losing multiple teeth received dental partials following months of coordination. This intervention resulted in improved attendance and increased self-confidence.  

Ongoing collaboration and community support aim to ensure that Conway students continue to receive necessary dental care.