The Mission of the Health Department Dental Clinic is: "To provide consistent, high-quality dental care in a public health setting that utilizes the latest techniques and is driven by compassion and genuine concern for our patients."
Hours: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm, Monday - Friday
Location: Smith-Wagner Bldg, 2nd Floor, Suite 404
Accepted: Medicaid, Medicaid HMOs and FAMIS
In general, services are available to residents of the Chesterfield Health District. Our patient population consists primarily of children, ages 4-18 years old, who are in school. An exception to this would be a maternity patient of record in the health department who has an emergency problem and requires acute dental care. Otherwise, no adult dental treatment is rendered in our clinic.
Eligibility Information and guidelines
Routine examinations
We provide comprehensive oral and dental examinations, including routine screening for oral cancer and other pathological conditions. Forms are completed as necessary for such things as school entry requirements, etc.
Fillings
Teeth are restored to function utilizing a number of different materials and techniques. Often amalgam (silver) fillings are placed as well as the newer composite (white) fillings which now have applications in both front and rear teeth. We will advise you on what is available to your child based on need and clinical circumstance.
Preventive education and treatment
Emphasis is placed on the prevention of the dental disease process in our clinic. In that regard considerable effort and resources are expended to impart sufficient knowledge to our patients and their parents on how to prevent dental decay and the problems it can cause. This is accomplished in a number of ways ranging from one-on-one chair-side teaching to providing information to the community via health fairs, etc. Since a child's oral cavity undergoes many changes in their early years, this prevention emphasis is of paramount importance. We also can protect your child's newly erupted permanent molars with dental sealants which are protective plastic coatings that are applied to the chewing surfaces of the teeth to lock out the caries process.
Tooth extractions
When a tooth is unable to be saved or otherwise must be removed, we are able to provide that service in our clinic. Extractions range from simple to complex, including the surgical management of impacted wisdom teeth in selected cases. We also routinely coordinate with your child's orthodontist when teeth are required for removal as part of the orthodontic treatment process.
Emergency services available
Our clinic routinely provides relief for acute "toothaches," dental infections, etc. Additionally, our staff is available to deal with dental trauma as it relates to the teeth and immediate structures. Hopefully, your child will not require these services, but if they do, please call our office at 748-1752.
For more general dental information, you may access the American Dental Association Patient and Consumers Website.