The I-Smile Dental Home Initiative is a program that helps Iowa's children connect with dental services. I-Smile was created by the Iowa Department of Public Health, the Iowa Department of Human Services, the University of Iowa College of Dentistry, and the Iowa Dental Association.

The I-Smile dental home uses a team approach. The dental home team includes dentists who provide treatment and definitive evaluation. Other health professionals such as dental hygienists, physicians, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, physician assistants, and dietitians are a part of a larger network and can provide oral screenings, education, anticipatory guidance, and preventive services as needed.

I-Smile has four objectives:

• Improve the dental Medicaid program
• Recruit and retain dentists in underserved areas
• Incorporate dental clinics within rural hospitals and
• Improve the dental support system for families

A major focus has been on improving the dental support system for families. The role of the I-Smile Coordinator was developed for this task. There are 24 regional I-Smile Coordinators who are licensed dental hygienists. They serve as the point-of-contact for public health agencies, families, health care providers, school districts, and dental offices.

The outcome of the I-Smile Dental Home Initiative will be an integrated system that provides early identification of the risks of dental disease, prevention, improved care coordination, and stronger parental involvement. Ultimately, at-risk children who are currently excluded from the dental care system will be reached and will have a dental home.

"By December 31, 2010, every recipient of medical assistance who is a child 12 years of age or younger shall have a designated dental home and shall be provided with the dental screenings and preventive services, diagnostic services, treatment services, and emergency services as defined under the Early and Periodic Screening Diagnosis and Treatment (EPSDT) program." HF841

The original report developed in December 2008 details the oral health issues children face within the state of Iowa and how the I-Smile™ dental home program is responding to those needs. Along with statistical data, stories from the regional I-Smile™ Coordinators are included in this report. The report not only highlights the successes of the program, but it also shows how important the I-Smile™ program is for ensuring good oral health for all Iowa children.

A 2009 update on I-Smile™ and the status of children’s oral health was issued in January 2010.

• Inside I-Smile™ 2009: An Update on Iowa’s Dental Home Initiative for Children
• Inside I-Smile™: A Look at Iowa’s Dental Home Initiative for Children Report