CareSouth Carolina’s School-Based Dental Care Expands

CareSouth Carolina announced the addition of two new dentists to its Division of Dental Medicine, which will help the organization expand its school-based dental care services.

Dr. Crystal Rosser and Dr. Brandi Hair have joined the CareSouth Carolina team and will offer school-based dental care to thousands of children across the Pee Dee area as part of the “Miles of Smiles” program beginning this fall.

At the beginning of the school year, CareSouth Carolina works with local schools to disperse forms to parents and guardians of children in the counties the organization serves. If the parent or guardian elects to enroll a child in the program, CareSouth Carolina will give the child two dental cleanings and examinations during the school year.

The mobile dental unit is able to provide x-rays, extractions and a variety of other dental services for students that may not otherwise have access to dental care.

“It’s an awesome opportunity to go into the schools and educate our patients on oral health in an environment in which they are already comfortable,” Dr. Hair said. “My hope is that through enlightening our young patients on oral health, they can become oral health ambassadors within their own communities and share the value of routine dental care with others.”

CareSouth Carolina currently serves 41 schools in several different counties across the Pee Dee, including Darlington, Chesterfield, Marlboro and Dillon Counties.

“It is my hope to positively impact the lives of the children so that they will be motivated to embrace healthy oral hygiene and habits,” Dr. Rosser said. “One’s oral health can impact learning, self-image, and overall health.  We hope to make a wonderful and lasting impression on those we serve to enhance bright smiles and bright futures.”

“Making a positive impact on community health is our goal,” Dr. Hair said. “It’s important to us that students have a good first impression of the dentist, as an initial dental experience can potentially influence their views towards oral health care for a lifetime.”

Addressing the access gap is critical in North and South Carolina, where more than 4.1 million Carolinians live in a designated dental professional shortage area. Children are particularly affected by the states’ oral health disparities. Dental problems and pain impact performance at school and contribute to absenteeism. Research finds that dental pain has a similar, if not greater, impact on children’s quality of life than acute asthma.

“It is a necessary service for us to provide our students and families with appropriate dental awareness that will enable them to having healthier lives,” Dr. Rosser said. “It is an honor to partner with the schools to serve the community through our love for people and dentistry.”

Dr. Hair earned a Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the Medical University of South Carolina, while Dr. Rosser earned a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry.

Outside of work, Dr. Hair enjoys traveling, dancing and has been an active member of her church, Life Center, in Charleston, SC. Dr. Rosser enjoys spending time with her family, friends, enjoying her Tar Heels, and embracing “leisure reading”.

For more information on CareSouth Carolina’s school-based care, please visit caresouth-carolina.com or call 866-815-9845.