Access to quality dental care is essential for a child’s overall health, yet many families in Iowa face barriers to care due to cost, insurance, or other systemic challenges. For underserved children, even routine dental visits can be stressful.
Thanks to a grant from Variety, Dental Connections was able to purchase additional electric handpieces for their clinic, ensuring children receive comfortable, efficient, and high-quality dental care.
Electric handpieces, now standard in dental schools, allow dentists to work with greater precision, consistent speed, and torque. This means procedures are completed more quickly and comfortably, reducing anxiety for young patients and allowing the clinic to see more children each day without compromising quality.
With over 13,000 children served annually, these upgrades make a tangible difference in the experience of each child, helping them feel at ease and ensuring they receive the care they need to maintain healthy smiles.
Impact Stories
Hentorodo
When nine-year-old Hentorodo came to Dental Connections needing a crown, he was nervous, like many children who have had limited dental experiences. Using the new, electric handpieces allowed them to work more efficiently and with greater control than with their old, air-driven handpieces, which meant less chair time and a smoother, happier appointment for him.
The quieter sound made a noticeable difference. Hentorodo relaxed as they worked, and the procedure was completed quickly and comfortably. For their team, this efficiency matters: it helps them deliver high-quality care to children like Hentorodo while keeping pace in our high-volume dental clinic - without compromising compassion or precision.
Maleah
Five-year-old Maleah arrived at the clinic after breaking her tooth on a candy cane at Christmastime. She was scared and unsure, as many young patients are when facing an unexpected dental procedure. By using the new electric handpieces purchased with a grant from Variety, they were able to complete her crown with steady power, precision, and less noise.
The quieter experience helped Maleah stay calm, and the consistent performance allowed us to finish efficiently without rushing. At Dental Connections, this technology makes a real difference, supporting gentle care for their youngest patients while allowing the team to serve more children safely and effectively. And Maleah got her “sparkly silver” crown!
Dental Connections serves patients regardless of race, ethnicity, income, or insurance status. Nearly 74% of patients have state insurance and 7% are uninsured, making support from funding partners like Variety essential.
By funding this critical equipment upgrade, Variety is helping Dental Connections continue its mission: providing equitable access to high-quality dental care for children and adults in Iowa, addressing health disparities, and giving every child the confidence that comes with a healthy smile.
