On the occasion of National Children's Dental Health Month, which is observed in February, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) emphasizes the importance of dental hygiene for the health and well-being of children. In Enlace Latino NC We share a list and links to free or low-cost dental clinics for children and families.
Cfree dental clinics alow cost soa in North Carolina
Dental clinics for low-income children, families and individuals can be found on the call “Safety Net” or “Secure Network” ”, which are nonprofit dental facilities where you can go to receive free or low-cost dental care.
Most clinics accept insurance, Medicaid, and NC Health Choice for Children. Additionally, many of these clinics also provide services on a sliding fee scale at low-income patients who do not have dental insurance.
Who is eligible
Eligibility varies from clinic to clinic, but generally adult patients or parents of children ages 0 to 17 will be required to provide proof of income.
*Most health departments in North Carolina's 100 counties have free dental clinics for uninsured and underinsured individuals and children.
How do I find a dental clinic near me?
There are dental clinics of Safety Net in most of North Carolina's 100 counties.
For information on how to apply, eligibility requirements, and contact information for a dental clinic near you, can click here to see locations in each county.
Another resource for finding a children's dental clinic is the site of InsureKindsNow.gov , where you can select your state of residence, NC Health Choice or NC Medicaid health plan, and address to find a dentist nearby.
You can also get CHIP or Medicaid coverage options for children, if you don't already have one, by selecting the state or calling: 1-877-KIDS-NOW (1-877-543-7669).
🩺 If these options don't fit your situation or you want to explore more possibilities, visit our guide on medical aid in North Carolina, where you'll find useful information whether you have health insurance or not. We explain available programs, additional resources, and practical tips for accessing health care without complications.
One in five children needs dental care
Agree, with the NCDHHS almost one in five kindergarten children , has untreated cavities, which leads to long-term health impacts, such as chronic diseases.
“It is our responsibility to address these disparities and ensure that all children have access to quality dental care, regardless of their background,” said Dr. Susan Kansagra, NCDHHS Assistant Secretary for Public Health, in a statement.
Dr. Kansagra pointed out that the recent Medicaid expansion has helped expand the access to oral health care for thousands of people and children in North Carolina.
Children's dental health worsened after the pandemic
recent data show that after the COVID pandemic, children's dental health problems worsened:
- The rate of untreated tooth decay among kindergarten children is the highest seen in five years.
- Oral health disparities still exist, primarily affecting racially and ethnically marginalized populations.
- Rates of treated and cavity-free cavities are at an all-time low, underscoring the need for proactive measures to reverse these trends.
Tooth decay, the most common chronic childhood disease, is largely preventable through routine dental care and healthy habits. However, access to care remains a major barrier, especially for low-income individuals and families.
Related : Free or low-cost health care in North Carolina
How to improve children's oral health
- Schedule regular dental checkups for your child, starting at one year old, go to the dentist. Early detection and prevention are key to maintaining good oral health.
- Brush your child's teeth twice a day with the correct amount of fluoride toothpaste. Floss your child's teeth as recommended by your dentist.
- Eat a balanced diet and limit sugary snacks and drinks. Sugar is a major contributor to tooth decay.
- Ask your child's healthcare team about using fluoride varnish and dental sealants to protect your child's teeth from cavities.
- Be a role model for your child's oral health by maintaining your own dental hygiene routines.
For more information on children's dental health, visit NCDHHS Public Health Division Oral Health website.
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