The MCHD’s Oral Health Protection Program
The Moultrie County Health Department is pleased to offer the Illinois Department of Public Health’s Oral Health Protection Program to our county residents.
Oral Health Protection Program
The Oral Health Protection Program (OHPP) is designed to support dental health for pregnant women and children through age five, especially those participating in WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) and other maternal and child health services.
By addressing oral health early, the OHPP can help you and your child:
- Prevent cavities.
- Reduce dental costs.
- Promote lifelong healthy habits.
Whether you’re a new parent, caregiver, or merely want to improve your family’s dental care routine, the MCHD staff is here to help.
What Does the Oral Health Protection Program Include?
The MCHD program is built around four key components:
1. Oral Health Education
Understanding the basics of dental hygiene can make a lifelong difference. Through the program, MCHD provides:
- Easy-to-understand education for parents and caregivers on how to care for a child’s teeth.
- Hands-on demonstrations using child-friendly techniques.
- Dental care kits and supplies for at-home use.
Why it matters: Good oral health starts with knowledge. Teaching children (and their parents and caregivers) about brushing, flossing, and healthy habits can help prevent cavities and tooth decay before they begin.
2. Oral Health Screenings
Early detection is key to a healthy smile. As part of the OHPP, the MCHD offers oral health screenings by qualified professionals.
Why it matters: Regular checkups—even simple screenings—can identify issues that lead to poor dental development and tooth decay and promote timely intervention.
3. Fluoride Varnish Treatments
Protective fluoride varnish is available at no cost to eligible participants through the MCHD. These safe and painless treatments:
- Help strengthen tooth enamel.
- Reduce the risk of cavities.
- Take minutes to apply during a scheduled office visit.
Why it matters: Fluoride varnish is a proven way to help prevent tooth decay, especially in young children. Regular applications, along with routine dental care at home, help protect teeth from cavities and decay.
4. Referrals for Dental Services
Some dental concerns require the expertise of a dentist. Early detection and intervention provide the best opportunity for maintaining dental health. The MCHD’s staff can help by:
- Connecting families with dental providers who accept their form of insurance, including Medicaid and private pay.
- Helping clients find care that fits their needs and location.
- Offering continued support for follow-up services.
Why it matters: Access to dental care shouldn’t be confusing or difficult. The MCHD can help you identify available dental care services.
Services Available to Moultrie County Residents
Everyone deserves to have a healthy smile. The MCHD provides free oral health education and assists individuals in locating area dental services.
Extra Support for New Parents and Caregivers
The MCHD also offers education tailored to new parents and caregivers. Contact our office today and let the MCHD help you:
- Care for your child’s gums and teeth.
- Ensure healthy feeding practices.
- Keep your child’s teeth healthy from day one.
Learn More or Schedule an Appointment
To learn more about the OHPP program or to schedule an oral health service consultation, contact the Moultrie County Health Department today at (217) 728-4114.
Let’s work together to protect and improve the dental health of Moultrie County’s residents—one smile at a time.
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USDA Nondiscrimination Statement
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Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the State or local Agency that administers the program or contact USDA through the Telecommunications Relay Service at 711 (voice and TTY). Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.
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Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:
- mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Mail Stop 9410, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410;
- fax: (202) 690-7442; or
- email: program.intake@usda.gov.program.
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