Placer County WIC, local dental offices and First 5 Placer have partnered to make preventative dental services and oral health information more accessible to families at high risk for dental disease.
“Dental Days at WIC” is improving the oral health of families with limited resources through an innovative partnership between Placer County WIC (Women, Infants & Children) and local dental offices. The program targets the county’s youngest residents and their families, utilizing WIC sites to encourage effective oral hygiene behaviors, to recommend early and regular dental visits, and to connect families with dental homes. A dental professional provides oral health screenings, fluoride varnish applications, follow-up recommendations, and dental supplies. All services are free thanks to funding through First 5 Placer.
Services at WIC sites are offered to members of families participating in WIC as well as to families receiving CalFresh benefits that include a pregnant woman or at least one child 0-5 years old. In its first 1 ½ years, 714 children and 152 adults have participated in “Dental Days at WIC”. Due to the program’s success, the model is being replicated at additional venues, such as wellness events, school fairs and community-based organizations. The Placer County Oral Health Program is looking forward to serving additional vulnerable populations so that optimal oral health is a reality for everyone in our communities.
Visit the Placer County Oral Health page for upcoming Dental Days and Denti-Cal service providers.
To contact the program coordinator call (530) 886-3618 or via email.