Project Smile provides essential dental services for children in the Poudre School District who would otherwise go without care.
Dental pain is a leading cause of missed school days and is often the result of untreated tooth decay, gum disease, or dental trauma. These issues affect concentration, sleep, confidence, and overall well-being.
Project Smile removes financial and access barriers so children can receive care before problems become emergencies, helping them stay healthy, learn, and thrive.
What Is Project Smile?
Project Smile began in 2006 as a Fort Collins community initiative, supporting school-based dental screenings and connecting children to treatment within the Poudre School District.
Today, Project Smile continues through Salud Family Health, building on long-standing partnerships to serve children most in need.
Through collaboration with schools, dental professionals, and community partners, the program provides:
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School-based dental screenings
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Preventive education and oral health supplies
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Parent communication and consent coordination
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Follow-up appointments for children who need treatment
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Financial support to ensure care is accessible
Our goal is simple: no child should struggle in school because of preventable dental pain.
Learning and discovery should never be impaired by the lack of proper dental care. Every child deserves access to appropriate treatment and preventive services.
Our Vision
Our Mission
Through partnerships with schools, community organizations, volunteers, and donors, Project Smile works to ensure children in need within the Poudre School District receive essential dental care so they can stay in school, free from preventable pain.
How the Program Works
1. School-Based Screenings
Participating schools host dental screening days. Licensed dental professionals conduct visual exams with the consent of parents or
guardians. Fluoride treatments may be provided when pre-approved.
2. Parent Communication
Parents receive screening results along with recommendations for follow-up care. Consent is required before any services are provided.
3. Education & Prevention
Students receive age-appropriate oral health education and supplies such as toothbrushes and toothpaste to encourage daily brushing habits at home.
4. Follow-Up Treatment
When treatment is needed, Project Smile works with families to schedule appointments and remove financial barriers so children can receive care promptly.
Why It Matters
Dental and vision issues can significantly affect a child’s ability to learn.
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Tooth pain can lead to missed school days, difficulty concentrating, and long-term health complications.
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Roughly 80% of learning is visual, and untreated oral health problems can impact speech, nutrition, and confidence.
When children are healthy, they are better able to focus, participate, and succeed academically.
Project Smile addresses these barriers early, before minor issues become major problems.
Project Smile &
Salud Family Health
Project Smile now operates through Salud Family Health, a nonprofit community health center founded in 1970.
Salud provides integrated medical, dental, behavioral health, and pharmacy services across Colorado. As a federally qualified health center, Salud accepts Medicaid, Medicare, CHP+, and most private insurance plans, and offers a sliding fee scale based on family size and income.
By bringing Project Smile under Salud’s umbrella, the program benefits from expanded clinical infrastructure, coordinated care, and long-term sustainability while maintaining its strong community roots.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a cost for screenings?
School-based screenings are provided at no cost with parental consent.
What if my child needs additional care?
Families receive screening results and support coordinating follow-up care through local providers and Salud clinics when appropriate.
Do parents have to give permission?
Yes. Written parental consent is required for screenings and any services provided.
Get in Contact
For more information about Project Smile, partnerships, fundraising, or donations, please contact:
Chad Scott
Director of Philanthropy
chad.scott@saludclinic.org
or email us at projectsmile@saludclinic.org