Mecklenburg County health official outlines pediatric dental services, mobile clinic and payment-assistance program

An official with the Mecklenburg County Health Department said the countys pediatric dental clinic is focused on ensuring "every child has access to quality dental care." The presenter said the program aims to remove social barriers such as transportation, economic challenges and gaps in education that prevent underserved families from getting treatment.

The county-run clinic, the speaker said, has provided dental services in Mecklenburg County for more than 25 years and offers comprehensive preventive care, oral-health screenings and educational outreach in partnership with community organizations. "We strive to overcome the social barriers from economic challenges to transportation and education that prevent underserved families from receiving the treatment their children need," the official said.

The presenter highlighted several outreach efforts. Give Kids a Smile, the speaker said, is an annual nationwide event in which multiple vendors offer treatments, screenings and education at participating facilities. The county also launched a mobile dental unit in 2024 that now provides on-site comprehensive dental services to Charlotte-Mecklenburg County schools, a move the county described as reducing transportation obstacles for families. "It's a very exciting experience for students to be able to receive their services on site," the official said.

The speaker described the Save a Smile program, started in 2023, which provides payment assistance for uninsured children who need extensive care. Eligibility covers children from birth through 17 who are Mecklenburg County residents. The clinic accepts Medicaid and some commercial insurance; for uninsured patients the county offers a sliding-fee scale to make services affordable, the presenter said.

The official framed oral-health education and prevention as central goals, noting the programs efforts to equip children with toothbrushes and hygiene instruction and to build long-term health and confidence. Families seeking more information were directed to the county health website: health.mecknc.gov.

No formal actions or votes were reported during the presentation.