Florida Department of Health in Charlotte County (DOH-Charlotte) offers dental services for children under 21 (and adults experiencing dental emergencies) at two locations in Charlotte County, Florida.
Oral health is vitally important to overall health and well-being. Research has shown poor oral health is linked to diabetes, heart and lung disease, stroke, respiratory illnesses, and pregnancy-related conditions such as pre-term delivery and low birth weight in infants.
Dental disease is largely preventable through effective health promotion and dental disease prevention programs. Collaboration with medical partners to provide compelling messaging and preventive care is key to improving the overall health of all Floridians.
Dental Sealants
What is a dental sealant?
A sealant is a thin plastic coating that protects the chewing surfaces of teeth from cavities.
When should teeth be sealed?
A sealant should be placed as soon as the permanent tooth appears in the mouth, usually around 5-6 years old, or as soon as possible.
How are dental sealants applied?
After the tooth is cleaned, the sealant is painted into the grooves of the back teeth. A special light is used to help the sealant harden.
How long do sealants last?
Sealants will usually last about five years or longer. Sealants should be checked once a year and replaced if needed.
Dental Services Provided to Children Under 21
- Examinations
- X-rays
- Dental cleanings and oral hygiene instruction
- Education on how to prevent cavities
- Fluoride treatment
- Fillings
- Extractions
- Pulpotomy
- Stainless steel crowns
- Space maintainers
- Same day emergency appointments for children in pain
*Must be under 21.
Dental Services Provided to Adults
Emergency appointments
School-Based Preventive Dental Program
DOH-Charlotte’s dental hygienists visit Charlotte County, Florida, schools to teach children how to take care of their teeth. DOH-Charlotte’s School-based Preventative Dental Program also provides dental cleanings and dental sealants, if needed, and fluoride treatments.
The team visits Title I schools each year to provide these services. Parents must fill out and sign a permission slip that is sent home with students. Our hygienists provide the following in-school services to students:
- Dental assessment
- Education on how to prevent cavities
- Cleanings, if needed
- Dental sealants, if needed
- Fluoride treatment
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, and brushing timer
Accepted Insurance and Payment Methods
Dental Insurance Providers Accepted
- Medicaid and Medicaid HMOs* (DentaQuest, DentaQuest Healthy Kids, Liberty, and MCNA Healthy Kids)
*Not all dental services are covered by Medicaid.
Payment Methods Accepted
- Cash
- Checks
- Visa
- Mastercard
Ryan White Program
- Ryan White Program enrolled patients are accepted.
Documents Needed
- Photo ID
- Dental insurance or Medicaid cards
Charlotte County, Florida, residents may be eligible for limited dental services on a sliding fee scale. For more information, call DOH-Charlotte.
Locations
Dental – Port Charlotte
Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
DentAL – Englewood
Every other Tuesday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.