A call to the boy's mother provided more information. Although he had dental insurance through the Oregon Health Plan, she could not secure a timely appointment with his dentist.

La Clinica's Happy Smiles staff advised the mother to call her dentist and tell him that her son had been evaluated by the Happy Smiles school dental prevention program and referred for urgent follow-up care. An appointment was set for that afternoon.

Without Happy Smiles, the boy would have suffered in pain for months. His dental pain was affecting his appetite, sleep, ability to concentrate in school and overall health.

Two days after his appointment, the dental assistant saw the boy at school. He smiled and said, "My teeth are all better today."