Do you have a child under age three?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children have their first preventive dental visit by twelve months of age. Even if your child is not experiencing dental problems, establishing a dental home is important for their overall health. These visits may reduce your child’s future dental disease risk, which can lead to improved oral health throughout childhood and reduce your expenses for care.
In order for your child to be eligible for these important benefits under your MPE Vision and Dental Health Plans, you must enroll each child in your plan. You need to submit an enrollment form with a copy of your child’s birth certificate. There is no additional cost to you when you add eligible dependents.
When you enroll your child, you will be sent information on Early Childhood Dental Care.
What to expect at your baby’s first dental visit
The most important goal of this visit is to introduce your child to the dental office and to develop trust in the dentist and the office staff.
The appointment should last approximately 15-30 minutes and may include a gentle examination of the teeth, gums, jaws, bite and oral tissues. The dentist wants to both observe any problems and to establish a baseline so that he/she can monitor your child’s growth and development.
The visit should also include a review of the child’s medical and dental information, and provide you with counseling on what you can do at home to ensure your child has a lifetime of good oral health! Depending on what the dentist observes, your child may require a cleaning and an application of fluoride varnish.
The long-term goal of this visit is prevention and to minimize any dental problems as your child grows up.
It is a very important visit! Please contact the MPE Fund office if you have any concerns or problems locating a dentist to see your child!