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352-334-8839
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Florida Department of Health in Alachua County (DOH-Alachua) offers dental services for children under 21 at two locations in Gainesville.

Good oral health helps children eat, speak, smile, learn, and thrive. Healthy teeth and gums are essential to a child’s overall health and well-being and can help prevent pain, infection, and missed school days.

To expedite your visit and provide the fastest service possible, please complete the pediatric dental client forms packet in your preferred language and bring it with you to your appointment.

Pediatric Dental Client Forms Packet
Spanish Forms
Dental Services Provided to Children Under 21
  • Examinations
  • X-rays
  • Dental cleanings and oral hygiene instruction
  • Education on how to prevent cavities
  • Fluoride treatment
  • Tooth extractions
  • Dental sealants
  • Silver diamine fluoride
  • Composite (tooth-colored) fillings;
  • Nitrous oxide inhalation (laughing gas) available to help reduce anxiety
  • Emergency treatment for children in pain
School-Based Preventive Dental Program

DOH-Alachua’s dental hygienists visit Alachua County schools to teach children how to take care of their teeth. DOH-Alachua’s School-Based Preventative Dental Program also provides exams, dental cleanings, and dental sealants, if needed, and fluoride treatments.

The team visits Title I schools each year to provide these services. Parents must fill out and sign a permission slip that is sent home with students. Our hygienists provide the following in-school services to students:

  • Dental assessment
  • Education on how to prevent cavities
  • Cleanings
  • Silver diamine fluoride, if needed
  • Dental sealants, if needed
  • Fluoride treatment
  • Toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, sticker, and brushing timer
Accepted Insurance and Payment Method

Accepted Insurance

  • Medicaid – does not cover all dental services
  • KidCare

Payment Methods Accepted

  • Cash
  • Checks
  • Debit and credit cards

Documents Needed

Alachua County residents may be eligible for limited dental services on a sliding fee scale. For more information, call DOH-Alachua’s Pediatric Dental Program at 352-334-8839.

Dental Sealants – Frequently Asked Questions

What is a dental sealant?

A sealant is a thin plastic coating that protects the chewing surfaces of teeth from cavities.

When should teeth be sealed?

A sealant should be placed as soon as the permanent tooth appears in the mouth, usually around 5-6 years old, or as soon as possible.

How are dental sealants applied?

After the tooth is cleaned, the sealant is painted into the grooves of the back teeth. A special light is used to help the sealant harden.

How long do sealants last?

Sealants will usually last about five years or longer. Sealants should be checked once a year and replaced if needed.

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