Children’s Smile Center dentist Dr. Matt Kufahl does not take good lighting for granted.
The Branson West facility where he works recently received a $4,996 Skaggs Legacy Endowment grant to purchase four new handpieces. The handpieces help Kufahl find and remove tooth decay, protecting the child’s tooth from further damage.
The new tools replace six-year-old handpieces that were beginning to need costly repairs. While the new handpieces are saving the clinic money on repairs, it’s one specific yet simple feature of the tools that has Dr. Kufahl most excited – lights.
“One of the most important aspects of dentistry is being able to see well,” says Dr. Kufahl. “Having these new tools equipped with lights lets me perform a higher quality restoration while reducing the time kids have to be in my seat.”
Children’s Smile Center is a nonprofit, full-service dental facility serving children and pregnant women who receive MoHealthNet.
“We believe all kids deserve high-quality dental care in a permanent dental home,” says Executive Director Jackie Barger. “These new handpieces are one more way we are meeting that high standard.”
The handpieces grant marks the fifth Skaggs Legacy Endowment grant since the grant-making fund was established in 2013. Other grants have made possible education activities as well as the purchase of a new sterilizer, hygiene kits and a handheld x-ray system. The x-ray machine means images are completed in about 2 minutes compared to 10 minutes in the past. Since the machine is handheld, it also allows the dental assistant to remain with the child throughout the process. The machine also uses less radiation than older ones.
“We are grateful to have Children’s Smile Center caring for some of the youngest residents of Stone and Taney counties,” said Skaggs Foundation President Meghan Connell. “They are providing caring, compassionate dental care while helping children develop healthy, life-long habits.”
Children’s Smile Center serves a six-county area, with locations in Branson West, Ozark and Aurora. In 2016, Children’s Smile Center served nearly 950 Stone and Taney county patients, providing approximately 2,000 visits to those children.
Skaggs Legacy Endowment is a restricted endowment fund made possible by a generous gift from CoxHealth in 2013. Since the inception of Skaggs Legacy Endowment, funds have been dedicated to improving access to health care, supporting healthy lifestyles, child and family safety, dental care, mental health and substance abuse.
To learn more about Skaggs Legacy Endowment, how it is impacting our community, or information about applying, check out our grants page or call 417-335-7340.
The Branson West facility where he works recently received a $4,996 Skaggs Legacy Endowment grant to purchase four new handpieces. The handpieces help Kufahl find and remove tooth decay, protecting the child’s tooth from further damage.
The new tools replace six-year-old handpieces that were beginning to need costly repairs. While the new handpieces are saving the clinic money on repairs, it’s one specific yet simple feature of the tools that has Dr. Kufahl most excited – lights.
“One of the most important aspects of dentistry is being able to see well,” says Dr. Kufahl. “Having these new tools equipped with lights lets me perform a higher quality restoration while reducing the time kids have to be in my seat.”
Children’s Smile Center is a nonprofit, full-service dental facility serving children and pregnant women who receive MoHealthNet.
“We believe all kids deserve high-quality dental care in a permanent dental home,” says Executive Director Jackie Barger. “These new handpieces are one more way we are meeting that high standard.”
The handpieces grant marks the fifth Skaggs Legacy Endowment grant since the grant-making fund was established in 2013. Other grants have made possible education activities as well as the purchase of a new sterilizer, hygiene kits and a handheld x-ray system. The x-ray machine means images are completed in about 2 minutes compared to 10 minutes in the past. Since the machine is handheld, it also allows the dental assistant to remain with the child throughout the process. The machine also uses less radiation than older ones.
“We are grateful to have Children’s Smile Center caring for some of the youngest residents of Stone and Taney counties,” said Skaggs Foundation President Meghan Connell. “They are providing caring, compassionate dental care while helping children develop healthy, life-long habits.”
Children’s Smile Center serves a six-county area, with locations in Branson West, Ozark and Aurora. In 2016, Children’s Smile Center served nearly 950 Stone and Taney county patients, providing approximately 2,000 visits to those children.
Skaggs Legacy Endowment is a restricted endowment fund made possible by a generous gift from CoxHealth in 2013. Since the inception of Skaggs Legacy Endowment, funds have been dedicated to improving access to health care, supporting healthy lifestyles, child and family safety, dental care, mental health and substance abuse.
To learn more about Skaggs Legacy Endowment, how it is impacting our community, or information about applying, check out our grants page or call 417-335-7340.
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