Oral Health - A Dental Home and Your Child

A dental home is an established dental care facilitywhere your child can know their dentist and iscomfortable to receive care of their teeth in a familiarand consistent place.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry(AAPD) recommends that children visit a dentist andestablish a dental home by the time they are one year old.

• Comprehensive Care: To guarantee that yourchild's oral health needs are satisfied, dentalhomes provide immediate, restorative, andpreventive treatments for maintaining oral health.
• Individualized Care: Dental homes take intoaccount your child's particular needs, includingany special requirements and/or special needs.
• Preventive Care: Dental homes put a strongemphasis on using preventative measures androutine checkups to safeguard your child'shealthy teeth and gums. 
• Oral Care Education: Dental homes educatepatients on proper dental hygiene practices,which change as a kid matures and develops.
• Cultural Sensitivity: Dental homes respect yourlanguage and cultural heritage, ensuring thatyour kid is raised in a welcoming andcomfortable atmosphere.

As a parent or guardian, your rights include:

• knowing that the person providing your child's dental care is qualified and competent.
• To disclose or explain the information about the fees associated with dental examinations and procedures.
• To inquire about your child's dental care and to receive clear, comprehensive responses.
• If you feel that your child's dental procedures are unneeded or unsuitable,you have the right to decline them.
• To anticipate that dental services will be provided in a safe environment with appropriate infection control and sterilization procedures.

As a parent or guardian, your responsibilites are:

• Helping your child to maintain proper oral hygiene by helping them brush and floss their teeth each day.
• Giving a precise and thorough account of your child's dental and medical history.
• Asking questions and participating in health-related decision-making in relation to your child's dental care.
• To the best of your abilities, adhere to the care plan that has been prescribed for your child.
• Keep all of your appointments and swiftly reschedule them if required.
• Assuming responsibility for promptly paying the expenses associated with your child's dental care.

Resources to establish a dental home that are searchable by your home ZIP code:

• Illinois State Dental Society Find a Dentist
• Listing of Dental clinics for people with limited financial ability
• Illinois’ Federally Qualified Health Centers: Many of these comprehensive health centers base their fees on financial ability.
• Illinois Medicaid Dental Program: At either of the below websites, choose Illinois, your plan, and enter the zip code for a listing of dentists in your geographic area.
• InsureKidsNow.gov
  
• Find a Dentist by visiting: https://govservices.dentaquest.com/Router.jsp?component=Main&source=Logon&action=ProviderDirectory2&state=IL&locale=en