The District 2 Pediatric Dental Program is one of the largest in the state. The program is available to children up to 21 who have Medicaid or PeachCare insurance. Patients without insurance can also be seen on a fee basis. Children can be seen as early as 1 year of age for anticipatory guidance screening exams.

Services Include:

• Education to patients and parents on preventing dental disease
• Dental screenings and oral examinations
• X-rays
• Teeth cleanings
• Fluoride treatment
• Sealants on permanent molars
• Restoration of teeth with cavities (fillings)
• Extractions of non-restorable teeth
• Treatment of oral infections
• Referrals for hospital pediatric dental treatment

Head Start program

Through a contract with the Ninth District Opportunity Head Start program, dental screenings and treatment services are provided to children accepted in the Head Start Programs in most counties within the district.

Clinics

Public health pediatric dental clinics are currently operational in Banks, Dawson, Forsyth, Franklin, Habersham, Hall, Hart, Lumpkin, Rabun, Stephens, and Union Counties.

Contact the Health Department in your nearest county for days of operation and to schedule an appointment.

Why is Early Dental Care Important?

Oral health is important to the health and well-being of children, as well as being a vital component of health throughout life.

• A child's teeth are susceptible to decay as soon as they begin to erupt.
• Baby teeth are crucial to holding space for permanent teeth so that teeth come in
  straight. In addition, baby teeth are important for chewing and maintaining good
  nutrition; speech development, especially tongue positioning and "lisp" prevention;
  facial structure development and appearance, support of the lips, and self image/self
  confidence.
• Dental caries is the most common chronic childhood disease. Tooth decay is five
   times for common than asthma and seven times more common than hay fever in
   children.
• Left untreated, pain and infection caused by tooth decay can lead to problems in
  eating, speaking, and learning. Children miss 52 million hours of school each year due
  to oral health problems, and dental problems distract children from learning and may
  lead to lower test scores.
• Every dollar invested in dental prevention saves as much as $147 in future expenses,
  and prevention can save up to $8,000 per child in corrective dental services.
• Studies have shown a link between oral disease and cardiovascular disease,
  diabetes, respiratory infections, and low birth weight. If left untreated, severe infections
  can lead to death.