 We accept Medicaid!
We recognize that there is a tremendous need in our community for dental services. The goal of our dental program is to provide comprehensive oral health services to the underserved population in Charlotte County. We offer dental services in “Phases”. We are currently in Phase One.
Phase One: The Dental Clinic is open to pediatric patients under 18 years old with Medicaid. Charlotte County has approximately 10,000 children on Medicaid.
The Dental Clinic is accepting new patients. Patients must be under 18 and on Medicaid.
Phase Two: The Dental Clinic will expand services to other people in the community that do not meet the criteria to be a Phase One patient. We will post eligibility requirements for Phase Two patients on our website and announce when we will begin taking appointments. We will update our website as our dental services expand.
One of our objectives at the Charlotte County Health Department is to “exceed your expectations”. We truly strive to provide the best health care to Charlotte County Residents. We thank you for understanding that we may not be able to provide dental services for you at this time and can only accept children on Medicaid. Please be assured that we will attempt to direct you to the services that you need.
The Dental Clinic is located at 1100 Loveland Boulevard, in the same building as our Port Charlotte Medical Clinic. For appointments: 941-624-7285. We are open Monday - Friday. Our first appointment of the day is scheduled at 7:30 a.m. and the last appointment is at 5:00 p.m. You may call between the hours of 7 a.m - 6 p.m.
Caring for your baby's mouth:
A child should start having his mouth cleansed even before the first tooth comes in (erupts). It’s easiest to lay your baby on a flat secure surface, like a changing table, and
start by taking a damp cloth or gauze and gently wiping out the baby’s mouth. It only take a few wipes. This will help remove excess milk, formula or food which breaks down to form plaque. This will also helpto prepare your baby for your brushing of his teeth in the future.
Teething:
Teething usually starts at four to seven months of age with the two lower front teeth. You will feel and see small bumps on the ridge of the lower jaw. They may be slightly reddened. You may see some small spikes of fever and some diarrhea as the teeth are trying to erupt. There are various products on the market to help with teething. A chilled wet cloth will comfort your child as well as anything else. The top front incisors follow and your child will continue to get teeth until 24-30 months, when all twenty primary (baby) teeth will be in. Our goal is to initially check your child at around six months of age to make sure this process is starting correctly and provide you with information that will help your child’s dental and physical development.
See a Teething Chart.
For more dental healths tips, see the Useful Links on the right side of this page. Visit the WIC (Women, Infants, & Children) section of our website for tips for "A Healthy Smile for You and Your Family".
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Useful Links:
American Dental Association
They have a section in thier website devoted to teaching kid's how to take care of their teeth.
American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
Parents will find useful information on this website. They are dedicated to improving the oral health of infants, children, and adolescents.
Florida Dental Association
This is a useful website for parents, professionals and students.
Smile Florida
Information about oral health care, access to dental care and dental education.
Access Florida
Apply On-line for Food Assistance, Cash Assistance, and Medicaid.
WIC & Nutrition
No cost healthy foods, nutrition education and counseling, breastfeeding support, and referrals for health care. |
