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'{{Infobox company | name = Kool Smiles, PC | native_name = | trading_name = | logo = | caption = Kool Smiles Logo | type = [[Privately held company|Private]] | traded_as = | genre = <!-- Only used with media and publishing companies --> | fate = | predecessor = | successor = | foundation = [[East Lake (Atlanta)|East Lake]], [[Atlanta]], [[United States|U.S.]] in 2002 | founder = Dr. Tu Tran, Dr. Thien Pham<ref name="dentalleadership">"[http://www.mykoolsmiles.com/media/dental-leadership]." ''Kool Smiles''. Retrieved on December 17, 2013. "Dr. Tran is a founding dentist and owner of Kool Smiles, P.C."</ref> | defunct = <!-- {{End date|YYYY|MM|DD}} --> | location_city = [[Marietta, GA]] | location_country = [[United States|U.S.]] | locations = 100+ | area_served = [[United States]] | key_people = | industry = [[Dentistry]] | products = | production = | services = [[Dentistry]] | revenue = | operating_income = | net_income = | aum = <!-- Only used with financial services companies --> | assets = | equity = | owner = Dr. Tu Tran<ref name="dentalleadership" /> | num_employees = | parent = | divisions = | subsid = | homepage = [http://www.mykoolsmiles.com/ Kool Smiles] | footnotes = | intl = }} [[File:KoolSmilesHarrisCountyTX.JPG|thumb|Kool Smiles Houston-[[Aldine, Texas|Aldine]] dental clinic in [[unincorporated area|unincorporated]] [[Harris County, Texas]]]] '''Kool Smiles''' is a [[dental]] services provider, based in the [[United States]]. Its headquarters are in the Kool Smiles Patient Support Center in [[Marietta, Georgia|Marietta]], [[Georgia (U.S. state)|Georgia]], U.S., in [[Greater Atlanta]] and has over 100 offices located across 16 different states.<ref name="Indy">'''<nowiki>http://www.koolsmilesjobs.com</nowiki>'''</ref> Kool Smiles operates dental clinics located in low-income communities. Kool Smiles positions itself as a general [[dentist]]ry that treats both children and adults.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Kool Smiles {{!}} Knowledge Base|url = https://www.mykoolsmiles.com/knowledge_base#kool-smiles-faqs|website = Kool Smiles: We will help you find a local Kool Smiles general dentist for kids and adults, who accepts Medicaid, Tricare, SCHIP and most insurance.|access-date = 2016-01-31}}</ref> The company recruits for general dentists, [[Pediatric dentistry|pediatric dentists]], [[Endodontics|endodontists]] and [[Oral surgery|oral surgeons]].<ref>{{Cite web|title = Find Dental Positions Near You - Kool Smiles Jobs|url = http://www.koolsmilesjobs.com|website = www.koolsmilesjobs.com|access-date = 2016-01-31}}</ref> Kool Smiles provides preventative care, diagnostic imaging and restorative care supported by [[electronic health record]]s, as well as the free curriculum on oral health and dental care.<ref>{{cite web|title=Quality Care Should be Accessible to All: Expanding Access through Innovation and Employing Mid-level Providers in the Medical and Dental Fields|url=http://www.nmqf.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Reassessing-the-Dental-Care-Paradigm.pdf|publisher=National Minority Quality Forum}}</ref> ==History== In August 2002, the first Kool Smiles location opened in [[East Lake (Atlanta)|East Lake]], [[Atlanta]], in [[DeKalb County, Georgia|DeKalb County]],<!--"Kool Smiles opened in August on Candler Road in East Lake."--><ref name="Stirgus">Stirgus, Eric. "[http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=AT&p_theme=at&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0F7B322257B49C18&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM Kids all smiles at DeKalb clinic Dental center filled with toys, murals]." ''[[Atlanta Journal-Constitution]]''. November 29, 2002. D3. Retrieved on January 26, 2012.</ref> near the [[Decatur, Georgia|city of Decatur]].<ref name="Indy"/> The clinic only accepted patients on [[Medicaid]] and [[PeachCare]], Georgia's state insurance program.<ref name="Stirgus"/> Brown said "The demand for service was unbelievable. These kids had nowhere to go for years and years."<ref name=Heath/> Brown said that originally they planned to open ten to fifteen clinics.<ref name=Heath/> In 2004, Brown received a telephone call from [[Friedman Fleischer & Lowe]] (FFL), a private equity firm. The company had originally planned to purchase a different Medicaid dental chain, but FFL instead decided that it would form its own chain. Brown said that, as paraphrased by David Heath of the [[Center for Public Integrity]], that the selection by FFL "was a million-to-one shot".<ref name=Heath/> Heath wrote in a ''[[Frontline (television program)|Frontline]]'' program that "the initial investment was small by private-equity standards."<ref name=Heath/> By 2005, Kool Smiles had opened six clinics in Georgia and two in Indianapolis, Indiana, and it had plans to open new clinics in Massachusetts and Virginia. It accepted patients on [[Medicaid]] and state insurance plans and patients who did "self-pay". They did not accept private insurance.<ref name="Indy"/> In 2007, it had 10 clinics in Georgia.<ref>Williams, Dave. "[http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=5tpDAAAAIBAJ&sjid=abEMAAAAIBAJ&pg=6740,3473263&dq=kool-smiles&hl=en Dentists going to court over Medicaid cutoff]." ''[[Albany Herald]]''. Thursday, August 23, 2007. 4A. Retrieved from [[Google News]] (3 of 14) on January 26, 2012.</ref> Around that year, it served 71,000 children annually at its Georgia clinics.<ref>"[http://www.ajc.com/metro/content/shared-blogs/ajc/politicalinsider/entries/2007/08/22/a_fight_over_dental_care_for_k.html A fight over dental care for kids is headed to court]." ''[[Atlanta Journal-Constitution]]''. Wednesday, August 22, 2007. Retrieved on January 26, 2012.</ref> In 2008, the chain had about 40 clinics in seven U.S. states.<ref>Constantine, Sandra E. "[http://www.masslive.com/holyokeplus/republican/index.ssf?/base/news-3/120219967936790.xml&coll=1 Kool Smiles greeted warmly]." ''[[The Republican (Springfield, Massachusetts)|The Republican]]''. Wednesday, February 6, 2008. Retrieved on January 26, 2012.</ref> In 2009 it operated 84 clinics in the entire United States.<ref>"[http://www.journalgazette.net/article/20090804/EDIT07/308049997/1021/EDIT Where’s the protection?]" (editorial) ''[[Fort Wayne Journal Gazette]]''. August 4, 2009. Retrieved on January 26, 2012.</ref> After the WellCare and Peach State Medicaid networks followed through with plans to terminate Kool Smiles from their contracts, patients of Kool Smiles and another company filed a lawsuit asking for an injunction that would prevent the terminations until WellCare and the Peace State organizations would show that the ending of the contracts would not contradict Medicaid dental program requirements.<ref>{{cite news|title=Department of Community Health, Analysis of Medicaid and Peachcare for Kids Dental Services Capacity|url=http://www.georgia.gov/vgn/images/portal/cit_1210/24/3/158655755Report12DentalSurveyReportMB112309.pdf|accessdate=September 13, 2011|date=November 23, 2009}}</ref> Kool Smiles' chief dental officer, Dr. David Strange, argued that if it lost the contract, some families in [[Columbus, Georgia]], would be unable to receive dental care. Dr. Vanessa Downer, the West Central Health District director, stated that the City of Columbus had a full service municipal dental facility for children and that the Columbus facility would be ready to accept some Kool Smiles patients if the clinic did close.<ref>Sledge, Kaffie. "[http://www.ledger-enquirer.com/2007/08/23/114906/mouthful-of-words.html Mouthful of words]." ''[[Ledger-Enquirer]]''. Thursday, August 23, 2007. Retrieved on January 1, 2012.</ref> Kool Smiles remained part of the Amerigroup Medicaid network and is currently part of the [[Amerigroup]], WellCare, and Peach State networks in Dalton and Columbus.<ref>{{cite news|title=Kool Smiles patients file class-action lawsuit against care organizations|url=http://www.accessnorthga.com/detail.php?n=92279|accessdate=September 7, 2011|date=August 27, 2007}}</ref> In 2010 Kool Smiles generated $80 million in [[earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization]] (EBITDA). During that year the company hired [[Harris Williams]], an investment bank, in order to sell itself.<ref>Kosman, Josh. "[http://www.nypost.com/p/news/business/private_equity_firms_ink_teeth_into_5HBGAj0ju7eQM0bIPPhCaJ Private-equity firms $ink teeth into dentistry]." ''[[The New York Post]]''. August 27, 2010. Retrieved on January 26, 2012.</ref> The company was said to be worth $700 million.<ref name=Heath/> As of October 4, 2010, [[American Securities LLC]] was the lead bidder.<ref name=AmSec>Alesci, Cristina, Jeffrey McCracken, and Jason Kelly. "[http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20602011&sid=a.togX4AQr1c American Securities Said to Be in Lead to Buy Kool Smiles Chain]." ([http://web.archive.org/*/http://www.businessweek.com/news/2010-10-04/american-securities-said-to-be-in-lead-to-buy-kool-smiles-chain.html Archive]) ''[[Bloomberg L.P.|Bloomberg]]''. Retrieved on October 1, 2012.</ref> The deal failed and the company was not sold.<ref name=Heath/> Kool Smiles has partnered with the Gary Community Health Center and the East Chicago Community Health Center to provide dental care in their facilities.<ref>{{cite web|title=Kool Smiles Opens Office in Partnership With East Chicago Community Health Center|url=http://www.redorbit.com/news/health/2065889/kool_smiles_opens_office_in_partnership_with_east_chicago_community/index.html|accessdate=October 6, 2011}}</ref> The company has also partnered with the Governor of Maryland, [[Martin O’Malley]], on his “Healthy Smiles Tour” to improve access to dental care in the state.<ref>{{cite web|title=Governor Martin O'Malley Kicks Off "Healthy Smiles" Dental Tour|url=http://www.gov.state.md.us/pressreleases/090908.asp|accessdate=September 9, 2011}}</ref> In 2012, ''[[Frontline (U.S. TV series)|Frontline]]'' aired a report saying that Kool Smiles inappropriately used crowns on young patients instead of regular fillings, because Medicaid bills more for crowns, and that the company pressured dentists to go along with the usage of crowns to make more money for the company.<ref name=Heath>Heath, David (Center for Public Integrity) and Jill Rosenbaum (Frontline). "[http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/health-science-technology/dollars-and-dentists/complaints-about-kids-care-follow-kool-smiles/ Complaints About Kids Care Follow Kool Smiles]." ''[[Frontline (U.S. TV series)|Frontline]]''. June 26, 2012. Retrieved on August 5, 2012.</ref> Kool Smiles responded by saying that, "Dentists do not receive revenue, patient or procedure targets or scorecards."<ref>"[http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/health-science-technology/dollars-and-dentists/kool-smiles-response/ Kool Smiles' Response]." ''[[Frontline (U.S. TV series)|Frontline]]''. June 26, 2012. Retrieved on August 5, 2012.</ref> Kool Smiles pointed to a study authored by presidential economist Arthur Laffer, which reviewed Texas Medicaid claims data and concluded that, in 2011, Kool Smiles charged less and performed fewer procedures, including crowns, per patient than other Medicaid dental providers in the state.<ref>"[http://www.statesman.com/news/news/opinion/laffer-bridging-the-dental-divide/nSPHB/ Laffer: Bridging the dental divide]."</ref> The company said, "Unfortunately, ''Frontline'' ignores what all dentists know – children with long-neglected dental needs require more medical care."<ref>"[http://www.mykoolsmiles.com/media/press-release/frontline-forgot-the-facts-kool-smiles-responds Frontline Forgot the Facts: Kool Smiles Responds]." ([http://www.webcitation.org/6B65HoLFx Archive]) Kool Smiles. June 26, 2012.</ref> == Business & Services == The company headquarters are located in the Kool Smiles Patient Support Center in Suite 290 of the Northchase Office Park<!--1090 Northchase Pkwy SE, according to Campanile source--> building in [[Marietta, Georgia|Marietta]], [[Georgia (U.S. state)|Georgia]], U.S., in [[Greater Atlanta]].<ref>"[http://www.mykoolsmiles.com/contact/main Kool Smiles Main Contacts]." ([http://www.webcitation.org/6B663Jfyl Archive]) Kool Smiles. Retrieved on January 1, 2011. "Kool Smiles Patient Support Center 1090 Northchase Pkwy SE, Ste 290 Marietta, GA 30067-6407"</ref><ref name=Campanile/> At one time its headquarters were in Suite 440 of Building 400 of the [[Atlanta Technology Center]]<!--1575 Northside Drive complex--> in [[Atlanta]].<ref>"[http://web.archive.org/web/20060307192303/http://www.koolsmilespc.com/about/corporate.html Corporate Office]." Kool Smiles. March 7, 2006. Retrieved on January 19, 2012. "Kool Smiles PC 1575 Northside Drive Building 400, Suite 440 Atlanta, GA 30318 "</ref><ref>"[http://www.atlantaopera.org/media/pdf/Directions_Admin_Offices.pdf Directions to: The Atlanta Opera]" ([http://www.webcitation.org/64nmLW1He Archive]). [[The Atlanta Opera]]. Retrieved on January 19, 2012. "[...]The Atlanta Technology Center office park (1575 Northside Dr)."</ref> At a later time its headquarters were in Suite 800 of the Galleria 400<!--400 Galleria Pkwy--> building in [[unincorporated area|unincorporated]] [[Cobb County, Georgia|Cobb County]].<ref name=Campanile/><ref>"[http://web.archive.org/web/20070430031458/http://www.koolsmilespc.com/about/corporate.html Corporate Office]." Kool Smiles. April 30, 2007. Retrieved on January 19, 2012. "400 Galleria Pkwy STE 800 Atlanta, GA 30339 "</ref><ref>"[http://factfinder.census.gov/servlet/MapItDrawServlet?geo_id=16000US1379612&_bucket_id=49&tree_id=339&context=saff&_lang=en&_sse=on Vinings CDP, Georgia]" ([http://www.webcitation.org/64notbC14 Archive]). [[U.S. Census Bureau]]. Retrieved on 19 January 2012.</ref> In 2010 NCDR, LLC announced that it had leased {{convert|39869|sqft|sqm|adj=on}} of space in the Northchase Office Park and that it was moving there from Galleria 400.<ref name=Campanile/> The company says that its mission is to provide quality dental care for children and families in underserved communities. In 2011, two million patients visited Kool Smiles clinics.<ref name="Freedberg">Freedberg, Sydney P. "[http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-05-17/dental-abuse-seen-driven-by-private-equity-investments.html Dental Abuse Seen Driven by Private Equity Investments]." ''[[Bloomberg L.P.|Bloomberg]]''. May 17, 2012. Retrieved on September 12, 2012. "U.S. Senate investigators are examining whether ReachOut, Church Street, and its affiliated clinics have overbilled Medicaid, according to Senate documents and people familiar with the matter. Another company under Senate scrutiny is NCDR LLC, which manages 130 Kool Smiles clinics, these people say."</ref> Kool Smiles is a [[privately held company]] with over 1000 employees reported in October, 2011<ref>{{cite web|title=Kool Smiles inaugurates new Elkhart office to offer dental services|url=http://www.news-medical.net/news/20110720/Kool-Smiles-inaugurates-new-Elkhart-office-to-offer-dental-services.aspx|publisher=News Medical|accessdate=November 4, 2011}}</ref> Kool Smiles accepts all forms of insurance and payment including: employer-based insurance, [[Medicaid]], [[SCHIP|State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP)]] and [[TRICARE]].<ref name="fflpartners1">{{cite web|title=FFL Partners, Kool Smiles|url=http://www.fflpartners.com/portfolio/koolsmiles|accessdate=September 9, 2011}}</ref> Kool Smiles contracts with NCDR LLC, a dental service organization that provides non-clinical administrative and management support services. NCDR is privately held and invested in by [[Friedman Fleischer & Lowe]]. Kool Smiles is NCDR’s primary client.<ref name="fflpartners1"/> NCDR, which does business as "Kool Smiles,"<ref name=Bizweek>"[http://investing.businessweek.com/research/stocks/private/snapshot.asp?privcapId=129351423 Company Overview of NCDR LLC]." ([http://www.webcitation.org/6B64FHTyV Archive]) ''[[Bloomberg Businessweek]]''. Retrieved on October 1, 2012. "NCDR LLC, doing business as Kool Smiles,[...]" and "1090 Northchase Parkway SE Suite 290 Marietta, GA 30067-6407"</ref><ref>"[http://www.reuters.com/finance/stocks/officerProfile?symbol=FLT&officerId=1564366 Coughlin, John]." ([http://www.webcitation.org/6B653UC70 Archive]) ''[[Reuters]]''. Retrieved on October 1, 2012. "Mr. Coughlin served as Chief Executive Officer of NCDR LLC (dba Kool Smiles), a private equity owned national dental practice management company."</ref> has its headquarters in the same Marietta, Georgia, office suite that houses Kool Smiles. NCDR was incorporated in 2001. NCDR provides dental facilities, support staff members and dental services that are not clinical to dental clinics.<ref name=Campanile>Sams, Douglas. "Campanile may be renamed 1155 Peachtree." ''[[Atlanta Business Journal]]''. Monday, March 22, 2010. Last modified Thursday, March 18, 2010. p.[http://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/stories/2010/03/22/newscolumn3.html?page=4 4]-[http://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/stories/2010/03/22/newscolumn3.html?page=5 5]. Retrieved on October 1, 2012.</ref> In a letter [[Senate of the United States|U.S. Senator]] [[Chuck Grassley]] said "Records indicate that NCDR, LLC., may have a financial interest in Kool Smiles practices."<ref>"[http://www.grassley.senate.gov/about/upload/2010-01-12-CEG-and-Baucus-to-Kool-Smiles-Corporate-Dentistry.pdf 2010-01-12-CEG-and-Baucus-to-Kool-Smiles-Corporate-Dentistry.pdf]." ([http://www.webcitation.org/6B68AJ6h9 Archive]) Office of [[Senate of the United States|U.S. Senator]] [[Chuck Grassley]]. Retrieved on October 1, 2012.</ref> == See also == {{Portal|Atlanta|Companies|Dentistry}} * [[All Smiles Dental Centers]] * [[Aspen Dental]] * [[Medicaid Dental Center]] * [[ReachOut Healthcare America]] * [[Small Smiles Dental Centers]] * [[South Texas Dental]] * [[Delta Dental]] == References == {{Reflist|2}} ==Further reading== * "[https://www.wellcare.com/WCAssets/corporate/assets/KoolSmiles.pdf Wellcare Assures Medicaid Members of Access to Quality Dentists/DCH Statement Concerning Possible Class Action Lawsuit Regarding Medicaid Dental Services]." ([http://www.webcitation.org/6LGWiiaM8 Archive]) Wellcare of Georgia. * "[https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/364686-declaration-of-peter-clay.html Civil Action File No. 4:07-cv-00167]." (Declaration of Peter Clay) ==External links== * [http://www.mykoolsmiles.com/ Kool Smiles Website] ([http://www.koolsmilespc.com/ Alternate link]) * [http://ncdrllc.com NCDR] * "[http://www.fflpartners.com/portfolio/ncdr NCDR]." [[Friedman Fleischer & Lowe]]. ([http://www.webcitation.org/6B65DLWgU Archive]) {{Clear}} [[Category:Articles created via the Article Wizard]] [[Category:Dental companies of the United States]] [[Category:Companies based in Cobb County, Georgia]]<!--Current--> [[Category:Marietta, Georgia]] [[Category:Companies based in Atlanta, Georgia]]<!--Former-->'