Child Dental Care

Children's Preventive Dental Care

The WVU Health Sciences Center Eastern Division operates a school-based dental program which provides preventive dental for qualified children while they attend public school.  The program is available for children ages 4-21 who are enrolled in the WV CHIP or Medicaid program and do not have a dental home.  By providing services in the school setting, parents do not have to miss work or provide transportation to a facility and children miss only a few minutes of school time.

In addition, we provide the same services for children ages 1-3, pregnant teenagers up to age 20, and any adolescent who has Medicaid or CHIP insurance and does not attend public school. Those patients will be seen at our satellite clinics in both Jefferson and Berkeley counties.

To make an appointment please call 304-596-6336

Lisa L. Poland, DMD, RS

Director of Dental Health Programs, WVU Health Sciences Eastern Division

Assistant Clinical Professor, WVU School of Dentistry

Dr. Poland and her staff use portable dental equipment to provide the following services:

• Dental Exams
• Teeth Cleaning
• Fluoride Treatment
• Sealants

If a child needs additional treatment, our staff will assist in finding a dentist to provide those services.

For more information, please call 304-596-6321

Who is eligible? 

Any child who has active Medicaid or WV CHIP insurance

What services are provided (depending on date of last dental visit)?

• Dental Exam
• Cleanings
• Fluoride Varnish Treatment
• Sealants (when necessary)
• Referral to local dentists for fillings (if necessary)

Who will provide the services?

Dr. Lisa Dunn Poland 
Director of  Dental Health Programs
Assistant Clinical Professor, WVU School of Dentistry
2008 Professional Court, Martinsburg, WV 25401
304-596-6321

Where are services provided? 

• At your child’s school

Cost to parents:

There is no additional fee. Costs are covered by Medicaid and/or WV CHIP insurance.

Dr. Poland and her staff of hygienists will visit each school in fall and then again in the spring, providing all children to have the opportunity for two preventive visits (cleanings, fluoride, & sealants) per year.

School visit dates are listed below.  A copy of the registration form can also be found below.  Feel free to print a copy, complete, and mail to:  

WVU Children’s Dental Program
2008 Professional Court
Martinsburg, WV  25401

How To Enroll

Fill out the registration form sent home on the first day of school or print the one below and return to homeroom teacher as soon as possible.

Did you know?

• Dental decay is almost completely preventable.
• Most dental problems are preventable if children begin seeing a dentist at an early age.
• Tooth decay and associated pain interfere with daily activities for 4 million to 5 million children and adolescents every year.
• Research has shown chronic oral infections can lead to heart and lung diseases, diabetes and stroke, as well as premature births and low birth weights, according to the US surgeon general’s report, “Oral Health in America”.
• ADA recommends a child’s first visit to the dentist should be within six months of the first erupting tooth, and no later than one year of age. Healthy Habits for Preventing Cavities
• Limit juice, milk, formula and other sugary drinks to mealtime. Drink only water between meals.
• Brush your teeth at least twice daily
• Floss your teeth daily
• Drink water with fluoride. If you are unsure if your water has fluoride, take a sample to your local health department for testing.
• Set a good example for your children by following all of the above.

Links to: School of Dentistry-Morgantown

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