Make a Child's Smile

The Mississippi State Department of Health is helping daycare programs to provide preventive dental services and access to care for children enrolled in early education learning centers.

Tooth decay is the most common chronic disease of childhood. The MSDH Oral Health Division and Mississippi early learning centers are teaming up to give smiles back to kids in need by working directly through daycare centers around the state.

How the program works

A licensed dental hygienist will perform a dental screening for your child at no cost to you or the center. A dental screening can identify problems or disease conditions that need further evaluation by a dentist. A dental screening does not take the place of a dental exam, but it can identify the need for a preventive fluoride varnish, which is then provided to your child at no charge. Varnish is a protective coating that is painted on teeth to prevent tooth cavities. It is safe and recommended for application at least two times per year.

How to participate

For your child/students to receive this service, you must complete and return a Make a Child's smile parental consent form to your child's teacher. The results of your child's screening will be provided to you in writing. The Mississippi State Department of Health's Office of Oral Health will not bill Medicaid for the fluoride varnish application. Your child's preventive services data may be shared with other dental and health care providers that see your child for care.