Dental Health For Babies And Kids
How to care for infant and toddler teeth and help school-age children build good habits early.
McDHF’s School-Based Oral Health Program helps policymakers, healthcare providers, healthcare advocates and parents improve children’s oral health and increase their access to dental care.
Where to Find Free or Reduced-Cost Dental Care for Your Child
Finding reduced-cost or free dental care for your child may feel overwhelming at first, but consider these resources to help get you started.
Occasionally, you may be able to find community dental events such as the one we are offering in your area where you can access free teeth cleanings and check-ups.One example is the annual World Oral Health Day event, where volunteer dentists and hygienists perform free cleanings, screenings, and education.This community event is held every 20th March in conjunction with wohd@fdiworlddental.org.
In 2022, there were more than 1000 engagements to this popular events across the country.
For future events, check out the McDHF Events website : www.mcdhf.org/mcdhf-events or call (234) 705–708-3499.
Community health clinics run by the state and federal government. These bodies’s Health Resources and Services Administration help provide health care services to those who cannot afford it. While not widely advertised, the majority of the 1,400 nationwide clinics provide reduced-cost dental services, too.
All services at the community clinics are done by licensed and experienced professionals employed either by the state government or the federal government. Be sure to call ahead as soon as possible, as appointments may book up quickly.
Both dental and dental hygienist schools offer reduced-cost dental cleanings and treatments. Not only can this help offset the costs of dental care for your family, but it also provides aspiring dentists and dental hygienists with the hands-on training they need to complete their degrees.While the providers at these schools haven’t completed all of their training yet, all services are supervised by experienced and licensed dentists. Also, unlike community clinics and other events, you may have more appointment options available at dental schools.
For more extensive dental care that goes beyond the scope of cleanings and X-rays, you may consider looking at current clinical trials.If eligible, your child may be able to receive free or reduced-cost services while also participating in critical studies with the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR). You can check out current trials and enrollment details here.It’s important to know that clinical trials with NIDCR look for specific dental conditions and diseases, and there are certain eligibility requirements for each study. This option won’t cover cleanings and other common preventive measures
School dental services provide dental care and education to students within a familiar and accessible environment—typically their school. These services are designed to promote oral health, prevent dental problems, and ensure that students receive timely dental treatment.Here are some key aspects of school dental services:
1. Dental screenings: Dental professionals conduct regular dental screenings to identify any potential oral health issues among students. These screenings usually include an examination of the teeth, gums, and oral tissues.
2. Preventive services: School dental services often focus on preventive care to maintain good oral health. This may include dental cleanings, fluoride treatments, and dental sealants. These measures help prevent tooth decay and cavities.
3. Oral health education: Dental professionals educate students about oral hygiene practices, such as proper brushing and flossing techniques, the importance of a balanced diet for oral health, and the effects of tobacco and alcohol on oral health. They may also provide information on orthodontic care and other dental treatments.
4. Treatment referrals: If a student requires further dental treatment beyond the scope of school dental services, the dental professionals may refer them to appropriate dental clinics or specialists. They can help facilitate the referral process and ensure that students receive the necessary care.
5. Accessibility and convenience: By providing dental services within the school environment, students have easier access to oral healthcare. This eliminates the need for parents to take time off work or arrange transportation for dental appointments. It also reduces the barriers to accessing dental care for students who may have limited resources or face other challenges in accessing healthcare services.
6. Collaboration with parents and guardians: School dental services often involve collaboration with parents or guardians. They may inform parents about their child’s oral health status, provide recommendations for home care, and suggest follow-up treatments if necessary. This collaboration helps ensure continuity of care between school and home.
Overall, school dental services aim to promote oral health, prevent dental problems, and provide timely care to students in a familiar and convenient environment. By focusing on prevention and education, these services contribute to the overall well-being and academic success of students.
Changing lives through dental care
MasterCare Dental Health Foundation is collaborating with dentists in Nigeria and some parts of West Africa to assist in providing care in poor and remote communities.