For too many families in the U.S., including in Philadelphia, the cost of dentistry is a major barrier to getting infants, children, and adolescents the oral health care they need.
Consider these statistics about children’s oral health in low-income households:
- Among those aged 2-5, 17% have untreated cavities in their baby teeth.
- Among those aged 12-19, 23% have untreated cavities in their permanent teeth.
- Children aged 6-19 are about 15% less likely to get sealants and twice as likely to have untreated cavities as those from higher-income households.
Finding affordable pediatric dental care in Philadelphia can be a challenge for families struggling to make ends meet. Without it, children may miss regular dental checkups and cleanings, as well as such preventive treatments as fluoride treatments and dental sealants. Lack of routine and preventive care can lead to undetected dental issues becoming more serious and expensive to treat over time.
At Penn Dental Medicine at PHMC Public Health Campus on Cedar, we provide the basic services so vital to children’s oral and overall health. And we do so at a far lower cost than private practices.
Pediatric Dental Care at PDM at PHMC on Cedar
The pediatric dentists at PDM at PHMC on Cedar have specialized training and experience working with young patients. They provide comprehensive dental care to children of all ages, from infants to teens.
Our pediatric dental team not only focuses on the physical aspects of dental care but also aims to create positive experiences. They understand dental visits can be intimidating and use child-friendly techniques to put young patients at ease.
PDM at PHMC on Cedar offers the following basic dental and oral health services:
Preventive Pediatric Dental Care
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends children have their first dental visit by the time they reach age 1. Preventive pediatric dental care includes regular checkups and cleanings, dental sealants, and fluoride treatments. Regular visits to a pediatric dentist allow early detection of potential concerns, as well as appropriate treatments or interventions to address them.
Restorative Pediatric Dental Care
Sometimes, despite preventive measures, children still develop such dental problems as tooth decay or cavities. In such cases, pediatric dentists can provide restorative treatments, including fillings, crowns, or root canals, to restore the affected teeth’s health and function.
Pediatric Oral Health Education
By teaching children about the importance of brushing, flossing, and eating a healthy diet, pediatric dental professionals can help prevent problems. Parents and other caregivers have a key part to play in children’s oral health, especially the younger their children are. But educating young patients about proper oral care also empowers them to take responsibility for their own dental health and can lead to a lifetime of healthy smiles.
Specialized and Special Needs Pediatric Dental Care
Some children and adolescents need such orthodontic treatment as braces or aligners. Orthodontic treatment involves correcting misaligned teeth and jaws. It can improve not only the appearance of the smile but also oral function and overall dental health.
Whenever young patients have a need for orthodontic or other specialized dental treatment, the PDM at PHMC on Cedar team will coordinate their care with PDM’s 40th Street and Locust Street location, which is easily accessible by car or public transit.
Additionally, some children have physical, developmental, or behavioral conditions that require special accommodations during dental visits. For children with special needs who are aged 14 or older, PDM can provide treatment at the Personalized Care Suite in the Care Center for Persons with Disabilities.
PDM at PHMC on Cedar Is an Affordable Children’s Dentist
As a teaching clinic of the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, PDM at PHMC on Cedar offers high-quality, affordable pediatric dental care.
Our third- and fourth-year student dentists practice under the supervision of experienced faculty members. Our student dentists gain hands-on experience by treating patients, including children. This opportunity allows them to enhance their skills and ensures children receive quality dental care at a fraction of the cost of a private practice.
Moreover, PDM’s partnerships with local Philadelphia organizations and government programs further subsidize the costs of dental treatments for children.
PDM at PHMC on Cedar is a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC). As such, we offer a sliding fee scale for patients who need it. We accept all Medicaid plans offered to residents of Southeastern Pennsylvania. And we offer manageable financing plans for qualifying patients, including a six-month, no-interest option.
Make an Appointment for Your Child at PDM at PHMC on Cedar
Prioritizing affordable pediatric dental care for your children is crucial in ensuring their oral health and overall well-being.
When you schedule regular visits with PDM at PHMC on Cedar, you are taking a crucial step toward safeguarding the oral health of the children you care about.
Get the quality reduced-cost dental care your children need and deserve. Schedule an appointment online now or call us at855-887-9229.
