Special Smiles is a core component of Special Olympics Wisconsin’s Healthy Athletes initiative. Its mission is to increase access to dental care for all people with intellectual disabilities, including Special Olympics athletes.
Delta Dental of Wisconsin has been the exclusive statewide partner of the Special Olympics Wisconsin Special Smiles program since 2002. Dental screenings take place at various State Games, raising awareness about oral health for athletes, parents, and caregivers. Athletes identified as needing follow-up care receive free treatment at SO Gives Athletes a Smile events in Fond du Lac and Madison.
This fall, 48 athletes received free dental care from Boudry Dental in Fond du Lac and Warren Family Dental, in Madison. For many athletes, these events provide essential dental care they might not otherwise receive.
Jennifer, a SOWI athlete from Wausau, needed urgent dental care after being screened at the 2024 Summer Games. Her mother, Colleen, explained the significance of Special Smiles.
“Jennifer sometimes struggles to communicate pain. Without Special Smiles, we don’t know how long her dental issue would have gone untreated. Dr. Robb’s familiarity made Jennifer more comfortable and reduced her anxiety.”
The program also offers significant financial benefits for athletes and families. This year, partners provided more than $42,000 worth of dental care during the two SO Gives Athletes a Smile Days.
Colleen added, “Special Smiles is a lifesaver. There’s a long waitlist at the only dental practice that accepts our insurance in Wausau. Without Special Smiles, we’d have to pay out of pocket.”
Edward, a SOWI athlete from Oshkosh, shared his experience.
“Before meeting Dr. Tammy, I was in pain for three years with three abscessed teeth. I couldn’t get an appointment with a local dentist, but Dr. Tammy helped me. Now I get regular checkups. I don’t know where I’d be without Special Olympics Wisconsin.”
SOWI Athlete Tyler from Milwaukee emphasized the program’s importance. “I highly recommend athletes take advantage of this program. I got the care I needed and received five fillings.”
Edward echoed Tyler’s sentiment.
“I encourage any athlete to take advantage of these opportunities. It’s not okay to be not okay, and Special Smiles is here to help!”
Special Smiles screenings will be available at the State Spring Games, Summer Games, Fall Games and State Bowling in 2025. All SOWI athletes are encouraged to be screened, even if they’re not participating in the Games.
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