Starting this month, Freeborn County families who are underinsured or on medical assistance will be able to receive dental health services through Freeborn County Public Health.

The county is contracting with Children’s Dental Health Service, of Rochester, which has previously provided services in Olmsted, Steele and Mower counties, said Freeborn County Public Health Director Sue Yost.

Children age 14 and younger are eligible.

Yost said the county pursued the services because there is a limited number of dentists locally who accept medical assistance.

“Dental health can affect all of the systems in the body,” she said. “If your teeth aren’t healthy, it can affect the rest of your body.”

A dental hygienist will provide dental cleanings, fluoride treatments and sealants when applicable and will also make referrals to dentists as necessary. Additionally, the hygienist will give oral hygiene instructions to parents or caregivers.

Yost said there will not be a cost to families, as Children’s Dental Health Service will bill medical assistance for the services they provide. If a patient is not on medical assistance, scholarship dollars will be available to cover the cost.

The county received a $2,716 grant from the United Way for the program and has also made a request to Mayo Clinic Health System in Albert Lea and Austin for additional financial support.

She said people can make appointments by calling the Public Health office at 377-5100.

Services will be available two days every month, and those dates will vary. This month, the dates are June 10 and 11.