Dental and Oral Health
A Healthy Smile…
Your child's doctor should provide an oral screening consisting of a check of the mouth, teeth and gums as part of the physical exam at the well child checkup visit. The oral screening does not replace the need to visit the dentist!
Children need regular dental care starting at age 2 or sooner, if needed. Routine and periodic dental care to prevent problems with gums, teeth or the mouth include:
Oral Exam - once every 6 months per patient in an office or school setting
Cleaning - once every 6 months per patient in an office or school setting
Topical fluoride - once every 6 months per patient in an office or school setting
Covered dental services for children include:
Oral Exams
Cleanings
Topical fluoride
Sealants
Fillings
Root canals
Treatment of Gum Disease
Extractions
If your child has problems with his or her teeth, gums or mouth before the age of 2, or your child's doctor recommends that your child should visit the dentist, make an appointment.
Call DentaQuest at 1-888-286-2447 for help in finding a dentist. If you use a TTY, call 1-800-466-7566.
DentaQuest works with the State of Illinois to help you locate dental care. They can also answer any other questions you have about dental care. Please visit the links below for more information about dental services.
For information about DentaQuest, or to download a brochure about dental health Illinois Medical Assistance Dental Program Brochure English or Spanish Version
Links:
- 2012 Dental Office Reference Manual (pdf)
- 2011 Dental Office Reference Manual (pdf)
- National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion Children's Oral Health
- MedlinePlus Dental Health
- National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion Dietary Fluoride Supplement Schedule
- National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion Preventing Dental Caries
- National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion Dental Sealants
- National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion Brush Up on Healthy Teeth
- The American Dental Hygienists' Association (ADHA) - Dental Hygienists, Oral Health
- Information About Dental Health for Parents-(Educational materials)
- American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, Parent Education Brochures