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The field of dentistry offers many opportunities for rewarding careers in North Carolina. Professional oral health care requires a team effort to ensure success. The core of the oral health care team is comprised of dentists, dental hygienists, dental assistants, and dental laboratory technicians. More on careers in dental health.
The NC Oral Health Section provides community-based preventive dental programs in 79 counties. There are locally funded preventive dental programs in 9 counties, and 12 counties do not have community-based preventive dental programs. Click here for a map of counties and types of coverage.
Several educational tools and methods are available to help you promote good dental health in your community. Instructional programs on selected topics, portable educational dental exhibits, and educational videos and slides are available across North Carolina by contacting the public health dental hygienist in your county.
A dental sealant is a thin plastic coating that covers the chewing surfaces of back teeth (molars) to prevent tooth decay. Most tooth decay occurs on the chewing surfaces of the molars. These chewing surfaces have natural pits and grooves that can trap plaque and food particles Routine brushing cannot remove the plaque and food particles trapped in these pits and grooves. More on sealants.
Even though dental decay has been dramatically reduced over the past 20 years, almost 50 percent of North Carolina's school children still have tooth decay. Tooth decay can be further reduced by oral health education, effective brushing and flossing routines, and the use of fluorides and protective dental sealants. Our educational materials can help you help children prevent decay. Go to educational materials.
Fluoride is a mineral that occurs naturally in all water sources, even the oceans. Fluoride is effective in preventing dental caries (tooth decay), and can reverse the early signs of decay. It makes the tooth structure stronger, so teeth are more resistant to acid attacks. More about fluoride.
Safety Net Dental Clinics across North Carolina help low income families get dental care.
Finding dental care can be difficult for many low income people. N.C. Medicaid and N.C. Health Choice for Children are programs that can help to cover dental expenses for people who qualify.
