• Who can be seen at the Community Children’s Dental Center?
  
  We see children and youth up to their 19th birthday. Our primary service area includes the City of Charlottesville and the Counties of Albemarle, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa, and Nelson. If you are from outside this area, we may be able to see your child by exception or to give you information about options in your area.
  
  We see children who are covered by Medicaid, FAMIS, and FAMIS Plus. This includes insurance coverage with Virginia Premier, Optima, Anthem Healthkeepers, and Sentara.
  
   
• How do I get my child enrolled in Medicaid or FAMIS?
  
  One option is to call your local social services department. The staff there can guide you through the application process. You can also call toll-free to 1-866-87FAMIS (1-866-873-2647) from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm, Monday – Friday, and 9:00 am to 12:00 noon, Saturday. TDD users can call 1-888-221-1590. You can visit the FAMIS website at www.famis.org for more information. For information about Medicaid eligibility, you can access http://dssiad.dss.state.va.us/EligibilityScreening/.
  
  For specific information about dental services and the Smiles for Children program, you can contact Doral Dental at www.doralusa.com or toll-free at 1-888-912-3456.
  
  If you have any questions about the application process, you may also call our office for assistance at 434-293-9300. If your child is not eligible for Medicaid or FAMIS but you do meet the income requirements, please contact our office for any possible options.
  
   
• What should I expect at my child’s first visit?
  
  We strive to make your child’s dental visit a positive experience. We recognize that many children may be afraid of going to the doctor and that parents have anxiety about going to the dentist.
  
  At your child’s first visit, we typically take x-rays (depending on the age of the child), clean the child’s teeth, and look for signs of dental decay. In age-appropriate ways, we will explain to the child what we are doing with each step. After cleaning the child’s teeth, the dentist will talk with the parent about any needed treatment and what might be required. The dentist will also talk with both the child and the parent about the importance of home hygiene and how nutrition can affect dental health. The dentist will also answer any of the parent's questions.
  
  Unless a child is in pain or is here for an emergency appointment, we usually do not do any procedures at the first visit. If the child’s first visit is positive, our experience has shown that future visits will go well.
  
   
• How can I help my child’s experience at the dentist to be positive?
  
  Be thoughtful about your word choices when telling your child about the dentist. We are selective in our word choices and try to avoid words that may scare a child. For example, at the first visit, we count teeth as a way to examine the teeth. We tickle teeth as part of cleaning them. We say we "wiggle a tooth out" rather than "extract a tooth." Our goal is to create an experience that is positive and child-friendly. We appreciate your cooperation in helping us to do this and welcome any questions you may have.
  
  It may also be helpful to recognize your own anxiety about going to the dentist. Your anxiety may make your child even more nervous. Dental health is important to overall health. We want your child’s experience to be as pleasant as possible, because we want you and your child to feel good about coming back to the dentist on a regular basis.
  
   
• For additional information about children’s dental needs, please refer to www.aapd.org/pediatricinformation/faq.asp for answers to the following questions:
  
  What should I use to clean my baby's teeth?
  When should I take my child to the dentist for the first check-up?
  Are baby teeth really that important to my child?
  What should I do if my child has a toothache?
  Are thumb sucking and pacifier habits harmful for a child's teeth?
  How can I prevent decay caused by nursing?
  How often does my child need to see the dentist?
  When should we begin using toothpaste and how much should we use?
  How do I make my children's diet safe for their teeth?
  How do dental sealants work?
  How do I know if my child is getting enough fluoride?
  What can I do to protect my child's teeth during sporting events?
  What should I do if my child falls and knocks out a permanent tooth?
  How safe are dental X-rays?
  How can parents help prevent tooth decay?
  
   
• How do I make a donation?
  
  Your contribution is sincerely appreciated and will help us to bring our services to more children in need. To donate online, please click here. You may also mail a donation to our address below, or call us for more information.

  Thank you for making every smile count! 

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