NNPHD has a program called “Creating New Smiles” that provides oral health care and education for all ages. We visit head starts, daycares and schools, assisted living facilities, and long-term care facilities in Cedar, Dixon, Thurston, and Wayne counties.

At each visit (with a signed permission form) we can provide a visual dental screening to check for concerns, a basic teeth cleaning. and a fluoride varnish, treatment to protect the teeth and help prevent tooth decay. If the need arises, we can also place a dental sealant on the top of a child’s back tooth to fill in deep grooves and further help to help prevent decay. Every participant receives education and a dental kit.

There is no charge for the services we provide. Our program is sustained through grant funding, Medicaid reimbursement, generous community donations, and free-will donations. Our services are provided by a licensed public health dental hygienist. This is a registered dental hygienist who has gained further licensure to provide services in public settings without a dentist present.

New for this year we are also able to schedule anyone in our 4-county service area to come to our office in Wayne and receive oral health services and education. We are actively collaborating with Midtown Community Health Department and working to bring their dental van to several locations, including our office parking lot. The dental van will allow a dentist to complete same day treatment, take x-rays and do a full dental appointment on site. This may be available to you at a reduced fee, and they do accept insurance and Medicaid.

There are many exciting things in the works for the oral health program at NNPHD. Check back often for more updates. Call the office for more information or to set up an appointment.