Healthy Smiles,
Happy Bodies!

At Johnson Health Center, we believe a healthy smile is key to overall wellness! That’s why we offer yearly routine dental care for children, providing preventive services from Early Head Start through 6th grade—at least once a year. Let us help keep your child’s smile bright and healthy!

 

Creating Bright Smiles: The Power of Teamwork

It starts when the school hosts our Mobile Dental Unit. After receiving signed consent forms, through the school nurse we invite your child for a short visit, where our team may provide a screening, oral education, sealants, and fluoride. Following the visit, you’ll get a letter with visit details, treatment recommendations, and contact information to schedule any necessary treatment. Best of all, we accept all insurances and have options for those without!

We serve more than 36 schools in our local region!

Services
  • Comprehensive or Routine Examination
  • Dental X-Rays
  • Dental Cleaning
  • Cavities Risk Assessment
  • Topical Fluoride Application
  • Preventive Sealants
  • Oral Health Education
  • Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF)

Pediatric Dental FAQs

What are dental sealants?
What is a sealant?

A thin, white coating placed on the chewing surfaces of the back permanent molars. It acts as a barrier to protect the tooth by ‘sealing out’ bad bacteria that can cause cavities and prevent decay of permanent teeth.

How is a sealant applied?

No needles or drills are used. A sealant is painted onto the chewing surface of the back tooth then a special blue light hardens the liquid and bonds the sealant to the tooth.

Why should sealants be considered?

Sealants on permanent molars work to reduce the risk of cavities by 80%. In children ages 6-11, children without sealants have almost three times more cavities than children with sealants.

How long will a sealant last?

Sealants can last several years before needing to be replaced. Sealants can come off with habits such as chewing ice, eating hard foods, or grinding teeth. Your dentist can verify if any sealants need to be re-applied.

When will a sealant NOT be placed?

Sealants are NOT placed on any tooth that has a cavity. Teeth with cavities will require more advanced treatment.

Should back teeth with sealants still be brushed?

Yes! Sealants are not a substitute for cleaning your teeth every day. Sealants are only helpful to prevent decay if oral hygiene is continued daily.

What is Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF)?

Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) is a medication used to treat sensitivity and slow progression of tooth decay. Applying SDF can help stop tooth decay, provide relief from tooth sensitivity, and buy time until next steps in the dental treatment plan can be initiated. This is especially helpful in situations where patients are delayed in getting a dental appointment, for patients who are very young or fearful, or for patients who have special needs that may otherwise require sedation for treatment.

How is SDF applied?
  • SDF is a liquid that is applied with a small brush
  • No drills or needles are used
  • Metallic taste may occur, but will go away rapidly
Where will the SDF be applied?
  • SDF can be applied to any area with a cavity
  • SDF will NOT be applied to ANY front teeth, only back teeth
What will it look like after it is applied?
  • SDF will cause a permanently black stain on any cavity
What happens if SDF gets on other teeth that do not have cavities?
  • SDF will not stain any area on any teeth that does NOT have any cavities.
  • It will only bind to and stain cavities
What happens if SDF accidentally gets on my child’s gums or skin?
  • A brown or white stain may appear on gums or skin that is harmless, and will disappear in 1-3 weeks
When should SDF not be used? What are the risks of SDF?
  • If patient is allergic to silver, SDF should not be used
  • If patient has painful sores or raw areas on gums or mouth, SDF should not be used
  • SDF application may not completely stop the decay and progression of a cavity, and no guarantee of success is granted or implied. If the SDF does not completely stop tooth decay, the decay will progress and require treatment
Does my child still need treatment on a tooth that has had SDF?
  • Yes, your child will still need treatment on the teeth that have received SDF.
  • This treatment may be additional SDF, a filling, a crown, a root canal, or an extraction.
  • Recommended treatment from the Dentist will be provided to you, including phone numbers to schedule appointments and a referral if needed
Does SDF have to be reapplied?
  • In some cases, SDF may require repeated re-application and may be recommended every 6-12 months if necessary
What are alternatives to SDF?
  • No treatment is an option. However, this may lead to continued breakdown of tooth structure and appearance. Your child’s symptoms may also increase in severity
  • Dependent on location and extent of tooth decay, other options may include placement of fluoride varnish, crown or filling, or extraction (with or without sedation)
What is the Mobile Dental Unit (MDU)?

It’s a full-service dental office on wheels! Our friendly, professional dental team visits schools throughout the school year to provide check-ups, cleanings, and other important dental services in a familiar and comfortable environment for your child.

What grade do students have to be to participate?

Aside from a few exceptions, this program is currently available for students in preschool through middle school. We are working to expand in the near future.

What schools participate in the School-Based Oral Health Program (SBOHP)?
Amherst County

Complete List TBD

Campbell County
Lynchburg City Schools

Complete List TBD

How Can I Sign My Child Up?

It’s easy! If you are interested in this free or low-cost dental service for your child:
1. Contact your child’s school nurse.
2. Ask: “When will the Johnson Health Center Mobile Dental Unit be at this school?”
3. The school nurse will give you specific dates and advise you when to fill out the forms shown here.

¿Cómo inscribo a mi hijo?

¡Es fácil! Si está interesado en este servicio dental gratuito o de bajo costo para su hijo:
1. Comuníquese con la enfermera de la escuela de su hijo.
2. Pregunte: “¿Cuándo estará la Unidad Dental Móvil del Centro de Salud Johnson en esta escuela?”
3. La enfermera de la escuela le dará las fechas específicas y le indicará cuándo debe llenar los formularios que se muestran aquí.