About Us
We Want to Help!
Toothaches keep children in pain and prevent them from learning and attending school. These kinds of problems are preventable and we can help! School based sealant programs, like ToothSavers, are proven to be very effective in reducing dental emergencies in children and increasing their oral health.
What We Do
ToothSavers provides preventive oral health care services to children including: oral health screenings, sealants, fluoride application, and oral health education, all within WA state schools, during school hours. We provide services to Title I schools and schools with a free and reduced lunch rate of 50% or greater. All services are provided by a gentle and experienced Registered Dental Hygienist.
We Bill State Insurance/Medicaid
We are a school-based program that focuses on creating affordable access to oral health care for children, at parents convenience. We bill Apple Health for Kids/Medicaid and we offer affordable cash fees so that every child can receive the care they need. We bill private insurance as well and do not charge a co-pay.
Our Services
Sealants
Sealants are a safe, thin, tooth-colored material that is placed in the deep grooves of the back teeth. Sealants create a shield over the tooth, which prevents bacteria from causing cavities. Each sealant takes less than one minute to place and is completely painless.
Oral Health Education
Efficient preventative home care is key to having a healthy smile. Our experienced hygienist will review proper brushing and flossing techniques with each child, as well as nutritional advice.
Fluoride Varnish
Fluoride varnish is a mineral coating brushed onto the teeth to protect against cavities and make teeth stronger. Fluoride application only takes about one minute and has been proven safe and effective. Children do not have to wait to eat or drink after varnish is applied.
Sealants
Sealants are a safe, thin, tooth colored material that is placed in the deep grooves of the back teeth. Sealants create a shield over the tooth, which prevents bacteria from causing cavities. Each sealant takes less than 1 minutes to place and is completely painless.
FAQ for Parents
What if my family cannot afford ToothSavers' services?
ToothSavers will never turn a child away due to inability to pay! Your child may qualify for free or reduced cost health/dental insurance through Apple Health of Washington (1-855-923-4633). If uninsured, you may apply for our grant program. Please contact us if you need to make arrangements.
My child already receives fluoride at the dentist office, should they have it done with you also?
Yes! In Spokane County, we are considered at higher risk for dental cavities because we do not have fluoride in public water systems. High cavity risk children should have 2-4 fluoride varnish applications in a year. Depending on the age, Medicaid pays for 2-3 fluoride varnish applications for each provider with a maximum of 9 fluorides a year so, they can be done both at your dental office AND with ToothSavers and be covered.
What if my child has special needs or is fearful?
Our staff has training with working with special needs patients and fearful patients. We will NEVER force the children to do anything they are not comfortable with. We will stop at any time during a procedure if the child wants to stop. Our goal is to make dental care a positive and fun experience!
What is Silver Diamine Fluoride? (SDF)
Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) is effective for treatment of hypersensitivity, tooth decay and cavities. SDF is an FDA-approved antibiotic liquid clinically applied to control active dental caries and prevent further progression of disease. The California Dental Association reports that various “clinical studies unanimously confirm better caries arrest and/or prevention by silver diamine fluoride over control or other materials”.
FAQ for Schools or Facilities
How can we schedule you to come to our school or facility?
Please contact us at 888.833.8441.
How often will you come?
Most schools are scheduled twice a year (6 months apart).
What is the cost to us?
There is no cost to the school.
How much space do you need?
We need a space at least 12' x 12' with electrical outlets ( ie: empty classroom, stage, office area, break room)
What will you need from us?
We will need a contact person at the school who can help set up the scheduled visits and reserve a space for us. This person will also help get our permission forms to the teachers. We will ship permission forms to your school. Forms are posted on the website as well. Online sign up is also availble for parents at www.MySchoolDentist.com ToothSavers makes everything as easy on your school as possible.