Catawba Co. to offer free dental exams for infants, toddlers

CATAWBA COUNTY — Catawba County Public Health Dental Practice is offering free initial dental exams for infants and toddlers ages 0-3 regardless of insurance status.

A limited number of appointments are available Thursday, Sept. 4, between 1:20 and 3:30 p.m. To make an appointment for a free exam, call one of the special phone numbers set up for this program: 919-923-0360 or 919-780-8180. Appointments must be made by phone and will be provided on a first-call basis.

Parents whose children participate in a free exam will receive a $25 gift card and a gift for their baby.

Supported by a BlueCross BlueShield of North Carolina Foundation grant initiative to improve the oral health of pregnant women and infants, the free exams will be provided at Catawba County Public Health Dental Practice by dentists and staff from health department dental practices in Catawba, Macon, Madison and Orange counties and the Elizabeth City dental practice. The exams are part of a specialized training program provided to grant participants through the University of North Carolina School of Dentistry's Baby Oral Health Program.

"Along with the opportunity to enhance our skills, hosting this program is a great way for our practice to connect even more local families to the health benefits of dental care from a very young age," said Dr. Patrick Maddy, dentist, Catawba County Public Health. "Initial exams help parents establish good dental habits for their children from infancy, which can have a positive effect on developing healthy routines for a lifetime."

Catawba County Public Health Dental Practice offers dental services to children ages 1 to 21 with Medicaid or HealthChoice insurance and individuals who have Medicaid for Pregnant Women insurance.

Catawba County Public Health, located off Fairgrove Church Road behind Catawba Valley Medical Center in Hickory, works to protect, promote and improve the health of all county residents. For more information, call 828-695-5800 or click here.

WSOC