Saturday, July 12, 2008

Taking a bite out of dental costs


By: Adrianne Flores

GREENSBORO – While routine check-ups are something that every child needs to stay healthy, they aren’t always in the budget for many parents. The Guilford County Department of Public Health tried to offer some help with the problem on Tuesday.



Taking 6-year-old Jaylen to the dentist Tuesday wasn't exactly in Michael Clapp’s plans, or the budget. But thanks to the department’s new low-cost dental clinic, Clapp was able to take his son.



"He fell and chipped his tooth. And he said his tooth was hurting. So I brought him here for them to check it out, make sure there ain't nothing damaged,” explained Clapp of his son. "It's a help when you ain't got the money to come out your pocket… when you need that money for food or something else."


This new low-cost program is for families who don't qualify for Medicaid or N.C. Health Choice -- the state's health insurance program for children. Dr. Lad Landau says these children often don't get to see a dentist until it's too late.



"They've got other problems and dentistry is put on the side until there's a toothache,” explained Landau. “And then it really becomes much more of a problem for us to treat."



The clinic offers a variety of routine services including $15 exams, and $25 cleanings. The clinic is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.



For more information about the program, or to make an appointment, call the Greensboro office at (336) 631-3152. In High Point that number is (336) 845-7733.

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