Routine dental visits help maintain good health
and can prevent school absences due to mouth pain

A dental exam is required for all children accepted into Head Start.

•	If your child doesn’t have Medicaid or insurance,
                   Head Start will pay the bill for the dental exam.

•	A parent/guardian must go with the child.

•	This appointment may take over an hour.

				The dentist will:
•	Check the general condition of the mouth and teeth
•	Clean and polish the teeth
•	Give a fluoride treatment to prevent cavities
•	

                   Look for these books at the library to share with your child:
•	 Berenstain Bears Visit the Dentist
•	 Mickey Visits the Dentist
•	 Dora Goes to the Dentist
•	 Just Going to the Dentist – Mercer Mayer

•	Play "dentist" to prepare your child for the dentist: 
First, you can be the dentist.
Ask them to “Open wide!”
Shine a light on their teeth and count them.
Switch roles so your child can look into your mouth.
Answer any questions your child may have.

Your calm and reassuring manner will help the visit go well!
A dental screening is only part of good dental health. Regular brushing with adult help and eating healthy foods are important for your child’s mouth and body.