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Programs: Early Childhood Dental Initiative
Through the Early Childhood Dental Initiative, a full-time Project Coordinator, plus part-time contracted or staff Public Health Dental Hygienists, will target preschool children in licensed childcare centers, family childcare homes and at community events in Buncombe County who have never received a dental screening. Dental health prevention education for children, parents and childcare providers will be provided through on-site programs providing a positive introduction to dental care. Parents and childcare providers will receive education regarding the importance of and how to care for preschool children's teeth. Children will be screened for dental health needs, parents notified and referrals made and tracked for follow-up by parents for any indicated treatment. The Project Coordinator will collaborate with the child's primary dental care provider and foster families' connections to a primary dental care provider. Treatment funding may be provided for children with significant and urgent dental needs; this activity will explore Medicaid reimbursement for these special treatment services. Medicaid will be billed when appropriate and Medicaid revenues will be used to offset program costs. Services will be provided on-site at childcare facilities and at community event locations as appropriate during hours convenient for childcare providers and families.
Coordinator
Melissa Coche
Buncombe County Health Center
35 Woodfin Street
Asheville NC 28801
Phone: 828-250-5085
Fax: 828-250-6197
Email: melissa.coche@buncombecounty.org