Dental Home Initiative

Access to dental care is critical for all children, including children and youth with special health care needs (CYSHCN). Oral health is an important part of overall health. CYSHCN are at higher risk for oral health problems, so it is important to find a regular dental provider. 

Finding the Right Dental Home Checklist

Finding the Right Dental Home for Your Child or Youth with Special Needs - ENGLISH

Finding the Right Dental Home for Your Child or Youth with Special Needs - SPANISH

Dental Insurance Reminder

If you and/or your child have NC Medicaid, you and/or your child have dental coverage. It is covered by NC Medicaid Direct. When you are asked for insurance information at the dentist, let them know you have “Medicaid” and provide your NC Medicaid Number. 

Finding a Medicaid Dental Provider

Search for a dentist in your community using InsureKidsNow.gov website.

NC Medicaid Contact Center: 888-245-0179

Safety Net Dental Clinics

Safety Net Dental Clinics are non-profit dental facilities. Most clinics accept insurance and NC Medicaid and many of these clinics also provide services on a sliding fee scale based on income for those who do not have dental insurance.

Safety Net Dental Clinic Locations

Oral Health Resources for Families

• Caregivers Guide to Good Oral Health for People with Special Needs: Guide developed by Special Olympics’ Special Smiles program which provides information on oral hygiene.
• Oral Health Care for Children with Special Health Care Needs: A Guide for Family Members/Caregivers and Dental Providers: Guide for families and caregivers and dental providers to promote positive dental experiences and good oral health.
• University of Washington School of Dentistry Website: Website contains numerous fact sheets for parents and caregivers including General Dental Health Guidance for Parents and Caregivers.
• Tooth Talk: Website provides information on improving young children’s dental health, including resources, expert answers to frequently asked questions, and short videos.
• Brush Up on Oral Health: Fact sheet from Head Start focuses on promoting oral health for children with disabilities. 

Resources for Dental Providers

• Special Care: An Oral Health Professionals Guide to Serving Children with Special Health Care Needs (2^nd ed.): This series of five modules is designed to provide oral health professionals with information to help ensure that children with special health care needs have access to health promotion and disease prevention services that address their unique oral health needs in a comprehensive, family-centered, and community-based manner.
• Management of Dental Patients with Special Health Care Needs: Factsheet from American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry provides recommendations for management of dental patients with special health care needs.
• American Academy of Developmental Medicine and Dentistry: Provides education and resources to improve the quality of healthcare for individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders and intellectual disabilities.
• Special Care Dentistry Association: Provides educational opportunities and information exchange for oral health care professionals who treat patients with special needs.