Dental Services
Good tooth care can protect your child's precious smile! Tooth decay is the most common disease in children in the United States and it can easily be prevented. By encouraging good tooth-care habits now, you can help your child have healthy teeth for a lifetime. PARENTS PLAY A KEY ROLE IN HELPING YOUR CHILD MAINTAIN A HEALTHY MOUTH.
Best practices encourage parents to create a dental home for their child. Young children are most comfortable with medical/dental staff when they are with their parents. Dental appointments should be made by parents and guardians. Parents are asked to obtain a copy of the treatment plan for their child's health record. Records can be given to your child's teacher who will pass the information along to the nurse. The nurses can help support you in the process if needed. You can reach them at 332-2512.
The dentist examines your child's mouth, and writes out a treatment plan that is specific to your child's dental needs. If your child has no cavities, the treatment plan will consist of a cleaning and fluoride application. If your child has decayed teeth, the treatment plan will list each tooth that needs to be worked on and how the dentist plans to fix each tooth. Sometimes, children need to be sent to a Pedodontist, (pediatric dental specialist), for extensive dental work and the parent/guardian MUST be present at these appointments.
Baby teeth are very important. They help your child eat properly, speak more clearly and they save spaces for adult (permanent) teeth. Make tooth care part of your family's routine. The children brush their teeth after meals in the classroom. We encourage parents to brush with their children before bedtime. Be a good role model. Eat healthy foods, floss and brush at least twice a day. TALK ABOUT DENTAL VISITS IN A POSITIVE WAY.
- Project Dental Care - This FREE community dental program is for anyone nine years of age and older. Call the Health Department at 332-9516 and ask for Project Dental Care.
- Family Health Center - Contact Family Health Centers at 332-0417. They have offices in most communities within Lee County.
- Edison College School of Dental Hygiene - Call 985-8334 to set up an appointment for all ages. Appointments can take several hours as this is a teaching facility. There is a small fee for this service, for adults.
- Dr. Tim Verwest - 9371-7 Cypress Lake Drive, Fort Myers, FL 33919, 239-482 2722. Dr. Verwest accepts Medicaid.
- NCEF Pediatric Dental Center (University of Florida) 7007 Lely Cultural Parkway, Bldg. L, Naples, FL 34113, 239-775-3052. Accepts Medicaid.