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."
General
Information
Hours:
8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
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.
Routine examinations We provide comprehensive oral and dental
examinations, including routinely 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 we are only a phone call or page away
