Georgia Emerging Infections Program
Georgia Department 
Oral Health
Mission
To prevent dental disease for Georgia's children through education, prevention and early treatment.
Services Provided
In fiscal year 2005, a total of 196,137 children received dental prevention, education, and treatment services provided by Georgia's Dental Public Health Programs.
Prevention
- Fluoridated water
- In 2005, 93% of Georgia's population using public water systems received optimally fluoridated water.
- School-linked Fluoride Supplement Programs for high-risk children
- Fluoride mouth rinse or topical fluoride treatments for children who lack an adequate source of fluorides. Approximately 12,170 school age children participated in fluoride mouth rinse programs in fiscal year 2005.
- Dental Sealants
- Plastic coating is placed on the chewing surfaces of permanent molar teeth to seal out food and bacteria that cause tooth decay. Approximately 19,353 children received sealants in fiscal year 2005.
Education
- Dental Health Education
- Public Health dental hygienists teach school children the importance of proper brushing, flossing, and good nutrition for good dental health. More than 68,577 school children were reached in fiscal year 2005.
Screening and Referral
- Dental screenings
- Dental inspections of the mouth to see if there are any dental or oral problems. The most common dental problems that children have are dental decay, gum disease, and malocclusion. Most of these problems are preventable. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment can eliminate pain, infection, and progressive oral diseases.
- Dental referrals
- If a child is found to have oral health problems, referral note detailing available resources is sent to the parent/guardian regarding the child's condition. More than 55,354 school children were screened and referred for treatment in fiscal year 2005 through dental programs and the Georgia Third Grade Oral Health Survey.
Treatment
- Provide diagnostic, preventive and basic dental treatment sessions for eligible children. More than 49,562 school children received dental treatment services in fiscal year 2005.
- First priority is for children who need emergency dental services because of pain, infection, or the tooth/teeth will soon need emergency care, and who are eligible for the Free and Reduced Meal Program (185% Federal Poverty Level).
- Basic dental treatment services include:
- Exams
- Cleanings
- Dental sealants
- Silver (amalgam) and tooth colored (composite) fillings
- Stainless steel crowns
- Minor nerve treatments
- Extractions
- Payment for dental treatment services are based on a sliding fee scale based upon ability to pay. Many health departments have a minimal administrative fee.
- Public health dental services are also provided to children who are enrolled in Medicaid/PeachCare reimbursement programs.
For more information about
Northwest
Georgia Public Health's
Oral Health Program
call 706-802-5050
