Free Dental Program Targets Early Prevention for Kern County Children

A friendly puppet and an oversized toothbrush are often the first introduction many Kern County preschoolers have to dental care — helping turn what could be a scary experience into something familiar, and even fun. The classroom visits are part of the Children’s Dental Health Network’s effort to reach young children early, a focus being highlighted this February during National Children’s Dental Health Month.

The program, run by the Kern County Superintendent of Schools, provides free dental education, screenings, fluoride treatments, and restorative care for children from birth to age 5 throughout Kern County, with an emphasis on prevention and early intervention.

“Good oral health at a young age supports speech development, helps prevent pain and infection, and reduces the likelihood that children will miss school or have difficulty focusing because they’re uncomfortable,” said Jessica Carrillo, a Children’s Dental Health Network specialist.

All children in Kern County within the age range qualify for services at no cost.

To reach families across the region, dental staff visit preschool and elementary sites to conduct screenings and apply fluoride varnish to help prevent tooth decay. If a site visit isn’t possible, school nurses can refer children through a Nurse Referral Program, and parents may also schedule a brief, 15-minute screening at the program’s office. The visit can also fulfill the Oral Health Assessment required for transitional kindergarten and kindergarten enrollment.

Before screenings take place, a registered dental assistant visits classrooms with a puppet, an oversized toothbrush, and a large mouth mirror to explain what will happen. Similar age-appropriate preparation is provided for children seen at the office, helping reduce anxiety and build positive associations with dental care.

While decay rates have improved over time — due in part to the program’s prevention efforts — the need remains significant. Screenings conducted over the past five years show that approximately 38 percent of Kern County children ages 0 to 5 have experienced tooth decay.

Carrillo says families are encouraged to participate in school-based screenings even if their child already sees a dentist.

“Children benefit from having a positive experience alongside their classmates in a familiar environment,” she said. “And, our services are completely free.”

If decay or infection is identified during a screening, families are referred to contracted pediatric dental providers for treatment at no cost. Financial assistance is also available for families with insurance who still face financial barriers.

The program’s reach has expanded steadily, growing from just over 600 children served annually when it began 26 years ago, to more than 3,000 today. Since its inception, the Children’s Dental Health Network has provided dental education to more than 94,000 children, completed over 76,000 screenings, delivered more than 46,000 professional cleanings, and connected more than 7,000 children with free restorative treatment through local pediatric dentists.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, families can contact the Children’s Dental Health Network at 661-546-8903.

Kern County Superintendent of Schools Dr. John Mendiburu demonstrates the proper way to brush your teeth to pre-schoolers.