NCDHD Completes Nebraska Community Challenge Grant

In recognition of National Children's Dental Health Month, North Central District Health Department (NCDHD) today announces the successful completion of a $125,000 challenge grant issued by Nebraska Community Foundation (NCF) and an anonymous donor for the benefit of the Miles of Smiles school-based oral screening and fluoride varnish program.

Nebraska Community Foundation issued the challenge grant in 2017, paid in five $25,000 annual installments. The department matched those funds on a one-to-one basis, receiving donations from local foundations, county governments and individual donors, many of whom made multi-year pledges. These local donors contributed more than $218,000 during the challenge grant period.

The challenge grant enabled NCDHD to expand Miles of Smiles, which offers education, oral screenings, fluoride varnish and dental sealants in school-based settings. The program provides services to the 38 elementary and middle schools within its nine-county service area. The funding allowed NCDHD to hire a contracted dental hygienist in 2018 to conduct clinics and assist with education and marketing.

Miles of Smiles increased student participation throughout the challenge grant period, averaging 56% in 2022, an increase from 49% in the 2017/2018 school year. Miles of Smiles also added more sealant programs, going from two per year to eight in 2019. The funding also helped NCDHD boost marketing efforts for the program, increasing social media use, visits with school administrators, radio advertisements and more.

Children's dental health is an ongoing challenge in Greater Nebraska. Third graders in rural areas experience a higher prevalence of dental decay and untreated decay compared to urban neighborhoods, according to the 2016 Nebraska Oral Health Survey. Programs like Miles of Smiles allow professionals to connect with children in need of treatment.

“We are so fortunate for this funding and the partners to help and support the Miles of Smiles program and the importance of children's oral health,” said Miles of Smiles Program Coordinator Sara Twibell. “We thank Nebraska Community Foundation and all local donors for giving Miles of Smiles this wonderful opportunity to grow and sustain itself.”

Nebraska Community Foundation unleashes abundant local assets, inspires charitable giving and connects ambitious people to build stronger communities and a Greater Nebraska.

Headquartered in Lincoln, the Foundation serves communities, donors and organizations by providing financial management, strategic development, education and training to a statewide network of 1,500 volunteers serving more than 270 communities.

In the last five years, 46,653 contributions have been made to Nebraska Community Foundation and its affiliated funds. Since 1994, Nebraska Community Foundation has reinvested $463 million in Nebraska's people and places. For information, visit NebraskaHometown.org.

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