You must meet all the following criteria:

• Be an Oakland County resident
• Have no dental insurance or Medicaid
• Qualify financially by filling out the application

Or:

• Oakland County veteran
• No dental insurance

Your income must be verifiable. The application takes about one week to process.

Registration Fee (once qualified) is $15 per family. Prosthetic fees (dentures, if needed) varies--patient pays lab fee only.

The Dental Offices are wheel chair accessible. The Dentists treat patients of all ages. Language translation may be available, but it is best to have someone come with the patient. The Dental Program will see all medically compromised patients, initially. If a referral is necessary, we will help.

No. Oakland County has only general dentists and not specialists such as oral surgeons, endodontists (root canal), periodontists (gum disease), pedodontists (children's specialist) or orthodontists (braces). If a patient needs a specialist, we will make the appropriate referral. We refer to the dental schools in Detroit and Ann Arbor; also Detroit Receiving Hospital, Tri-County Dental Health Council and the private sector. Outside referrals are at the patient's own expense.

What is the new Kindergarten dental screening law?

On December 29th, 2020, a new law was made in Michigan. This law is to help students entering school have a dental screening before starting school.

What do teeth have to do with school?

Dental cavities are the #1 most common childhood illness and cavities can cause pain. Cavities can prevent kids from eating and can keep kids awake at night and both eating and sleep help kids learn. It is important to screen kids for health issues before they start school so if they do have cavities, then the cavities can be fixed and the kids will be well-rested, able to eat, and ready to learn!

What will a parent or guardian need to do?

Parents will need to have the MDHHS Health Appraisal form filled out. You can get the form from different places. Your local health department may distribute it. Schools or childcare centers may have them too. The form will need to be completed by professionals, such as a doctor and dentist. On the MDHHS Health Appraisal form, Section V- Dental Exam or Assessment is the section that will need to be completed by a dental provider.

Who can complete Section V on the Health Appraisal form?

Any dentist or registered dental hygienist licensed in Michigan can complete the form.

Is there a difference between a dental exam and a dental assessment?

In Section V of the MDHHS Health Appraisal form, it asks if a child received a dental exam or dental assessment. This is language specific to dental providers, a dentist completes a dental exam, and dental hygienists will complete a dental assessment. You only need to have one dental provider complete the screening.

What if my student has cavities?

If you learn your student has a cavity or cavities, they will need to have the cavities filled. A cavity does not stop growing on its own, it will need to be treated by a dentist. The person who completes your student's dental screening will be able to help with appointments for follow up care.

What if I do not have a dentist?

Contact your Local Health Department for help finding a dental provider to do the screening. The school nurse or secretary may also be able to help. The school staff members are aware of this law and will know who to contact in your community for help.

What if I cannot afford to take my student to the dentist?

There are a variety of ways to have kids in Michigan seen by a dentist or dental professional. Consider enrolling in the Michigan's Health Kids Dental Program and contacting your Local Health Department for help finding a dental home.