• By Holly Hooks
• Posted Wednesday, February 17, 2016

Public Health Offers Comprehensive Community Dental Services

Maintaining your teeth isn’t just about a good smile - it’s important for your overall health! Keeping up with preventive measures like cleanings and x-rays, along with getting treatment for dental problems you experience, can prevent harmful infections and crippling pain. In order to encourage healthy habits, the dental program at the Forsyth County Department of Public Health offers comprehensive oral health services for the entire community. Program activities include preventive services such as those offered by the Preventive Dental Health Program and clinical services provided by Cleveland Avenue Dental Center.

Preventive Dental Health Program

Three registered community dental hygienists work with schools and community organizations throughout Forsyth County to conduct oral health assessments. The hygienists conduct dental screenings for pre-k, kindergarten, third grade, fifth grade, and exceptional students for dental problems and refer children in need to the Cleveland Avenue Dental Center for treatment. The hygienists also provide education to children, teachers, childcare workers, and parents in order to help the entire community understand the importance of good dental habits from an early age. For underserved children, the hygienists work with the Forsyth Dental Society and other community organizations to conduct free oral health services such as dental sealant projects and Give Kids a Smile.

Cleveland Avenue Dental Center

The Cleveland Avenue Dental Center is a full-service dental office that provides care for both children and adults. The staff work hard to ensure that patients have a pleasant experience each time they visit the office and that they leave knowing the importance of taking care of their teeth. “My goal is to provide all of our patients with quality comprehensive dental care, not just emergency services,” says Dr. Emily Smith, Director of the dental center. When it comes to children she adds, “We want to make it a good experience so they don’t have fear of the dentist later in life.” Services include full dental exams with x-rays, cleanings, plaque removal, deep cleanings, sealants, fluoride varnish, fillings, crowns, dentures, extractions, and root canals. Medicaid, NC Health Choice, Ameritas, and cash payments are accepted. Uninsured patients are eligible for a sliding fee scale. The office is open Monday through Thursday, 7:30 am - 5 pm and Friday, 7:30 am to 11:30 am. New patients are being accepted. Call 336-703-3090 for an appointment.

It is very important for children to have an established dental home by the time they reach one year of age and to continue that care throughout their lives. Whether you have been under the care of a dentist for decades or you are experiencing your first visit, the Forsyth County Department of Public Health encourages community members of all ages to utilize the services offered by its dental program.