Dental Assistance for Children

Dental assistance allows children of all ages and ethnicities to visit the dentist and receive regular dental checkups. The exams, x-rays and dental services are offered free of charge or at reduced rates to children who qualify for the assistance programs.

Significance

• According to the Surgeon General, more than 50 percent of children between the ages of 5 and 9 currently have at least one cavity, and decaying of the teeth is the number one disease in childhood. Dental assistance allows children to receive the dental exams they need to keep their mouth healthy.

Types

• Dental assistance comes in many forms, including private and public programs. One government program is Children's Medicaid. A child enrolled in Medicaid receives not only dental exams, but also regular cleanings and fillings as needed.

Misconceptions

• A common misconception is that a child's parents must be United States citizens to qualify for dental assistance. According to Medicaid, the status of a child's parents does not influence a child's eligibility for receiving benefits.