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 preventative 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 & 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 to Apple Health for Kids/ Medicaid and we offer very reduced, affordable cash fees so that every child can receive the care they need. We do bill private insurance as well.
Our Services
Sealants
Sealants are a safe, thin, clear, plastic type material that is placed into the deep grooves of the back teeth. Sealants create a shield over the tooth, which prevents bacteria from causing cavities. Each sealant takes approximately 1-3 minutes to place and is completely painless.
Oral Health Education
Efficient preventative and 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 1-2 minutes and has been proven safe and effective. Children do not have to wait to eat or drink after varnish is applied.
FAQ for Parents
What if my family cannot afford Toothsavers' services?
Your child may qualify for free or reduced cost health/dental insurance through Apple Health of Washington (1-855- 923-4633) You may pay only what you can afford, even a minimum payment helps keep our programs going. We will not turn away a child if unable to pay.
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 adequate amounts of fluoride in the water systems. Children are also considered at higher risk for cavities if they have a history of them. 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.
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 not 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 are your reduced cost fees if I do not have insurance?
Our low cost uninsured fees are as follows:
Visual Oral Assessment=$10
Fluoride Varnish Application=$12
Sealants (per tooth)= $20
Our mission is to be able to keep these programs going in order to provide care to all students in need. We are happy to help set up payment plans if needed. We will not turn your child away if unable to pay.
What is Silver Diamine Fluoride? (SDF)
Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) is effective for treatment of hypersensitivity, tooth decay and cavities. 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”. What is Silver Diamine Fluoride? Silver Diamine Fluoride is an FDA-approved antibiotic liquid clinically applied to control active dental caries and prevent further progression of disease.
What if my child is a virtual or distance learner?
Your child can still participate in the Toothsavers program at their neighborhood school. Just fill out the sign-up form and follow the directions there. You will need to contact us directly for an appointment.
FAQ for Schools or Facilities
How can we schedule you to come to our school or facility?
Please contact the website email at info@toothsaversofwashington.com or call Amber Juliano RDH, BS at (509) 676-6060
How often will you come?
Most schools are scheduled twice a year (6 months apart) . A few outer area schools are scheduled only one time in the Winter quarter.
What is the cost for us?
There is no cost to the school
How much space do you need?
We need about 12 by 12 space with electrical outlets ( ie: empty classroom, stage, office area )
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 to get our consents to the teachers. We will either deliver the consent forms to you, or email them if you are out of our area. We also have online registration available.
Our Community Partners
