Why might some parents not take their child to the dentist?
- Not having dental insurance or money to pay for the visit
- Not having time off work to take the child to the dentist
- Not being able to find a dentist who will see children
- Not being able to find a dentist who accepts their insurance (such as Medicaid or the State Children’s Health Insurance Program [CHIP])
- Believing that baby teeth don’t need care because they will “fall out anyway”
Despite these issues, it is very important that parents take their children to the dentist.
How can the daycare help them find solutions?
- Not having dental insurance or money to pay for the visit
There are several options available to help parents who might have trouble affording the visit. The first option is Medicaid or CHIP. Parents can find our more about the options that might be available to them by visiting the Medicaid website. The second option is a payment plan through the dentist. Some dentists offer monthly payment options for treatments not covered by insurance. - Not having time off work to take the child to the dentist
Most children’s dental visits are very short in length. The time off work should be estimated at only a couple of hours. If the parent is still unable to take the time off, have them ask other family members (such as the spouse, grandparents, aunts, uncles, etc.) if they might be able to take the child to the appointment. - Not being able to find a dentist who will see children
Actually, this is not a problem at all! Most children are treated by general dentists and most general dentists see children. If a parent is having trouble finding a dentist that sees children, ask other parents at the daycare center which dentist they use. - Not being able to find a dentist who accepts their insurance (such as Medicaid or CHIP)
All insurance companies should have a search feature on their website and a number to call to find providers in their area. If the child is covered by Medicaid or CHIP, the state will have a list of all providers. - Believing that baby teeth don’t need care because they will “fall out anyway”
Care for baby teeth is incredibly important! See The Importance of Healthy Primary (Baby) Teeth for how these teeth should be cared for.