Liberty Dental Plan of Florida Launches Comprehensive Week of Service to Expand Access to Free Dental Care and Oral Health Education
In a bold and compassionate initiative aimed at addressing critical gaps in oral health access across the Sunshine State, Liberty Dental Plan of Florida has announced its upcoming “Week of Service,” scheduled to take place from October 9 to 19, 2025. This ten-day statewide campaign will deliver free dental care and comprehensive oral health education to underserved communities, with a special emphasis on vulnerable populations including pregnant women, foster youth, individuals with special needs, and seniors.
The Week of Service represents more than just a series of dental clinics—it embodies Liberty Dental Plan’s broader mission to integrate oral health into the fabric of overall wellness and to eliminate systemic barriers that prevent Floridians from receiving essential dental services. Through a combination of mobile and on-site dental care, partnerships with local organizations, and innovative educational outreach, Liberty is mobilizing its resources to ensure that no one in Florida is left behind when it comes to achieving a healthy smile and, by extension, a healthier life.
A Holistic Approach to Community Wellness
Oral health is often treated as a separate concern from general health, yet decades of medical research have demonstrated its profound impact on systemic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and pregnancy outcomes. Recognizing this critical link, Liberty Dental Plan is taking a holistic, community-centered approach during its Week of Service. Beyond offering immediate clinical interventions—such as dental screenings, cleanings, fillings, extractions, and preventive treatments—the initiative will also focus on long-term health literacy through both in-person workshops and virtual learning modules.
“We’re creating opportunities for people to access the care and education they need to achieve better health outcomes,” said Stefanie Gaspard, Community and External Affairs Liaison at Liberty Dental Plan of Florida. “Oral health is deeply connected to overall well-being, and we’re working to make sure it’s recognized as such.”
Gaspard emphasized that many Floridians—particularly those in rural or economically disadvantaged areas—face significant obstacles to dental care, ranging from transportation challenges and lack of insurance to cultural or language barriers. Liberty’s Week of Service is designed to meet people where they are, both geographically and socially, by bringing services directly into neighborhoods, schools, senior centers, and community health hubs.
Statewide Reach with Local Impact
To ensure equitable access across Florida’s diverse geography, Liberty Dental Plan has structured its Week of Service around the nine regions defined by the Florida Statewide Medicaid Managed Care program. This strategic alignment allows the organization to coordinate effectively with existing healthcare infrastructure and community partners in every corner of the state—from the Panhandle to the Keys.
In each region, Liberty will collaborate with local dental providers, nonprofit organizations, schools, and government agencies to host pop-up clinics and educational events. Mobile dental units will travel to remote or underserved areas, while fixed-site clinics in urban centers will offer extended hours to accommodate working families and caregivers. All services during the Week of Service will be provided at no cost to patients, regardless of insurance status.
Special attention will be given to populations who often fall through the cracks of the traditional healthcare system:
- Pregnant women will receive prenatal oral health screenings and counseling, acknowledging the well-known connection between maternal gum disease and adverse birth outcomes such as preterm birth and low birth weight.
- Foster youth, who frequently experience disruptions in healthcare continuity, will be offered comprehensive dental evaluations and restorative care to address years of unmet needs.
- Individuals with special needs—including those with physical, cognitive, or developmental disabilities—will benefit from sensory-friendly environments and providers trained in adaptive care techniques.
- Seniors, many of whom lose dental coverage upon retirement, will gain access to denture fittings, oral cancer screenings, and preventive services tailored to aging mouths.
Investing in the Future of Dental Care
Liberty Dental Plan’s commitment extends beyond immediate service delivery. As part of its Week of Service, the company will also award scholarships to two aspiring dental hygienists enrolled in accredited programs in Florida. This initiative reflects Liberty’s dedication to strengthening the dental workforce, particularly in fields that directly support preventive and community-based care.
“By investing in the next generation of oral health professionals, we’re not just addressing today’s needs—we’re building a more resilient, equitable system for tomorrow,” Gaspard explained. The scholarship recipients will be selected based on academic merit, financial need, and a demonstrated commitment to serving underserved communities.
Education as a Catalyst for Change
While clinical care provides immediate relief, Liberty recognizes that sustainable health improvements require knowledge and empowerment. To that end, the Week of Service will feature a robust oral health education component. Community members of all ages will learn about proper brushing and flossing techniques, the importance of regular dental visits, nutrition’s role in oral health, and how to navigate the dental care system.
Educational sessions will be offered in multiple languages and formats to ensure inclusivity. Virtual webinars will allow participants to engage from home, while interactive in-person activities—such as toothbrushing demonstrations for children and “Ask the Dentist” Q&A booths—will foster direct engagement. Schools and community centers will receive toolkits with educational materials, toothbrushes, and fluoride toothpaste to extend the impact beyond the ten-day event.
A Model for Corporate Social Responsibility
Liberty Dental Plan’s Week of Service exemplifies a growing trend in which healthcare organizations leverage their expertise and infrastructure to address social determinants of health. Rather than waiting for patients to seek care, Liberty is proactively removing barriers and meeting communities with dignity, compassion, and clinical excellence.
This initiative also aligns with broader public health goals in Florida, including reducing emergency room visits for preventable dental conditions and improving health equity across racial, economic, and geographic lines. By focusing on prevention and education alongside treatment, Liberty aims to create a ripple effect—where one free cleaning or one educational workshop can lead to a lifetime of better health decisions.
How to Get Involved
Liberty Dental Plan invites Floridians to participate in the Week of Service as patients, volunteers, or partners. Community organizations interested in hosting a clinic or co-sponsoring an event are encouraged to contact Liberty’s community outreach team. Dental professionals who wish to donate their time can sign up through Liberty’s provider portal. And individuals seeking care can visit Liberty’s website in late summer 2025 for a full schedule of locations, services, and registration details.
As October 2025 approaches, Liberty Dental Plan of Florida is not just opening its clinics—it’s opening doors to healthier futures for thousands of residents. In a state as vibrant and diverse as Florida, ensuring that every person has the opportunity to smile with confidence is not just a healthcare goal; it’s a moral imperative. Through its Week of Service, Liberty is turning that imperative into action, one patient, one community, and one healthy smile at a time.
