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'{{Infobox organization |name = Kool Smiles, PC |image = Kool_smiles_logo.jpg |image_ |msize = |indsutry = Dentistry |motto = |founded = 2002 |extinction = |type = |headquarters = [[Marietta, GA]], [[United States|U.S.]] |location = |membership = |language = |leader_title = |leader_name = |key_people = |num_staff = 1000+ |budget = |website = [http://www.mykoolsmiles.com/ Kool Smiles] }} '''Kool Smiles, PC''' is a for profit<ref name="Indy">"[http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=IBNP&p_multi=IBJB&p_theme=ibnp&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=10CC6BF81560FA08&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM HEALTH CARE]." ''[[Indianapolis Business Journal]]''. September 19, 2005. Retrieved on January 26, 2012. "The clinics accept only self-pay patients or those covered by Medicaid or Hoosier Healthwise plans. They do not take private insurance, spokeswoman Kasey Peterson said." and "The for-profit Kool Smiles started in 2002 in Decatur, Ga., and has opened six clinics in its home state."</ref> dental services provider company with its headquarters in the Kool Smiles Patient Support Center in [[Marietta, Georgia|Marietta]], [[Georgia (U.S. state)|Georgia]], U.S., in [[Greater Atlanta]].<!--Cited below--> Kool Smiles operates dental clinics located in low income communities. In 2011, Kool Smiles had over 100 offices located in 17 states nationwide. Kool Smiles positions itself as a General [[Dentist]] that treats both children and adults. The company recruits for General Dentists, [[Pediatric dentistry|Pediatric Dentists]], [[Endodontics|Endodontists]] and [[Oral surgery|Oral Surgeons]].{{Citation needed|date=January 2012}} Kool Smiles provides preventative care, diagnostic imaging and restorative care supported by [[electronic health record|electronic health records]]. The company does not offer cosmetic or orthodontic care.<ref>{{cite web|title=Kool Smiles Information|url=http://www.coalitionclinics.org/kool-smiles.html|publisher=Coalition of Community Health Clinics|accessdate=November 4, 2011}}</ref> ==History== In August 2002, the first Kool Smiles location opened in [[East Lake (Atlanta)|East Lake]], [[Atlanta]], in [[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"/> By 2005 the chain 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 clinic 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]]''. 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> 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 than regular fillings, and that the company pressured dentists to go along with the usage of crowns to make more money for the company.<ref>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]]''. 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]]''. June 26, 2012. Retrieved on August 5, 2012.</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]." Kool Smiles. June 26, 2012.</ref> The documentary was produced in association with the [[Center for Public Integrity]]. == Overview == Founded in 2002, Kool Smiles built its first office in Atlanta, GA. The mission is to provide quality dental care for children and families in underserved communities. 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>{{cite web|title=FFL Partners, Kool Smiles|url=http://www.fflpartners.com/portfolio/koolsmiles|accessdate=September 9, 2011}}</ref> Kool Smiles is a [[privately held company]] with 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 contracts with NCDR, LLC which provides non-clinical services to all Kool Smiles dental practices including facilities, support staff and other business services. Kool Smiles is NCDR’s primary client.<ref>{{cite web|title=FFL Partners, Kool Smiles|url=http://www.fflpartners.com/portfolio/koolsmiles|accessdate=September 9, 2011}}</ref> ==Corporate affairs== The company headquarters are located in the Kool Smiles Patient Support Center in Suite 290 of the 1090 Northchase Pkwy SE 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]." Kool Smiles. Retrieved on January 1, 2011. "Kool Smiles Patient Support Center 1090 Northchase Pkwy SE, Ste 290 Marietta, GA 30067-6407"</ref> 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 400 Galleria Pkwy building in [[unincorporated area|unincorporated]] [[Cobb County, Georgia|Cobb County]].<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 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> As of 2010 [[Friedman Fleischer & Lowe|Friedman Fleischer & Lowe LLC]] owns Kool Smiles. == Partnerships == 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> == Legal == ''Kool Smiles Lawsuit: (August–September 2007)'' 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> == See also == {{Portal|Atlanta|Companies|Dentistry}} * [[Small Smiles Dental Centers]] ==External links== * [http://www.mykoolsmiles.com/ Kool Smiles Website] {{-}} == References == <!--- See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Footnotes on how to create references using <ref></ref> tags which will then appear here automatically --> {{Reflist|2}} <!--- Categories ---> [[Category:Articles created via the Article Wizard]] [[Category:Dental organizations]] [[Category:Health care companies of the United States]] [[Category:Companies based in Cobb County, Georgia]]<!--Current--> [[Category:Marietta, Georgia]] [[Category:Companies based in Atlanta, Georgia]]<!--Former--> [[es:Kool Smiles]]'