Children’s Dental Care

With our Children’s Dental program, District 4 provides low-income children with access to quality dental services. We help children get an early start with regular dental care and healthy oral habits, which are important to maintaining overall health.

Most oral issues are preventable or can be corrected. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment of any complication can reduce pain and infection as well as lower potential costs for the parents and distress for the child. A typical dental visit includes a check-up, where the dentists examines the child’s gums, teeth and mouth, and a cleaning, where they clean away plaque and tartar (common causes of oral disease) and polish the teeth. If the dentist detects an issue, they will arrange follow-up services.

School-Based Dental Program

District 4 arranges for dentists and hygienists to visit elementary schools, community youth programs, Head Start and Early Head Start programs with portable equipment to provide diagnostic and preventative dental treatment to eligible students.

The school-based dental program provides a pleasant, non-threatening environment that helps children feel good about visiting the dentist. The program can include:

• Dental exams. A dental screening reveals any problems such as tooth decay, gum disease, malocclusion (crooked or misaligned teeth) and injuries.
• Fluoride. A mouth rinse or varnish treatment can reduce the risk of cavities and tooth decay.
• Sealants. These thin plastic-like coatings protect the surface of the back teeth (molars) from bacteria. They stop cavities from growing and can prevent tooth decay by more than 70%.
• Education. Proper oral hygiene, tooth brushing, flossing skills and nutrition to maintain optimal oral health.

The school-based dental program is available to families at no cost. If you are a school official or event organizer and would like to contact our Dental Coordinator please email Robin Jordan at robin.jordan@dph.ga.gov.

Services

District 4 is committed to providing every child access to quality dental care at two convenient locations. Our dental services include:

• Exams
• X-rays
• Cleanings
• Sealants
• Fillings
• Extractions
• Fluoride varnish
• Cavity risk assessment
• Referrals
• Portable school and event-based care

Patients

We accept all forms of Medicaid and Peach Care coverage for dental services. Our clinics also offer affordable rates for the uninsured patient who is within 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Patients MUST submit an Uninsured Patient Dental Program Form before making an appointment

Visit one of our dental clinics:

Heard County Health Department
1191 Franklin Parkway
Franklin, GA 30217
706.675.3456

Lamar County Health Department
100 Academy Drive
Barnesville, GA 30204
770.358.1483