Dental Center of Northwest Ohio

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Family Information

What is the Dental Resource Center?

It's a dental project of the Dental Center of NW Ohio for families with children from birth to age 5 who live in Lucas, Ottawa or Wood County. Originally funded in 2005, by Toledo Community Foundation, Ronald McDonald House Charities, and the Dental Center of NW Ohio. The DRC is currently funded by the United Way and Miles for Smiles (a 5K walk/run sponsored by the Toledo Dental Society www.milesforsmilestoledo.org)

The Dental Resource Center can assist your family with:

• Encouragement, support, and guidance
  for healthy teeth and gums
• Case management for dental visits
  (make dental appointments, send reminders,
  offer directions, arrange for transportation - if needed)
• Incentives (toothbrush kits for the entire family)
  

Are baby teeth really important enough
to worry about at this age?

Primary or “baby” teeth need to be kept healthy for many years.

Baby teeth:
• help your child learn to speak clearly and chew naturally.
• form a path for the adult teeth to follow when they appear.
• have nerves that can feel pain just like adult teeth do.
• are finally all replaced at age 10-12.

What age should my child begin seeing a dentist?
Your child’s teeth are at risk of decay as soon as they appear. Your child should see a dentist when the first tooth appears, or not later than his/her first birthday. You can begin today to help your child have good teeth.

What happens at dental visits for small children?
Birth to age 3: You will learn about your child’s teeth and how to care for them. Your child will have an exam by the dentist to check for signs of decay.
Ages 3 to 5: You will learn how to care for your child’s teeth. Your child will see the hygienist for a cleaning, fluoride treatment, and x-rays, if needed. The dentist will check the teeth for signs of decay.

Who do I contact if I need help getting dental care?
Call us at (419) 725-2519 to see if you are eligible to participate. Or, if you already work with one of our partners, contact them for a referral.

For partner Information, click here. Our partners are truly team members by assisting in awareness, education, outreach and referrals.

Resource Links

• Education Topics
• Questions about your scheduled dental appointment
• Questions about your partnership with the Dental Resource Center
• Questions about your partnership with your referring agency
• Dental Providers