The Mississippi State Department of Health's Division of Dental Services was established to
ensure optimal oral health for every citizen of Mississippi. The Division of Dental Services is responsible
for the prevention and control of oral diseases through assessment, policy and program development, and
assurance. Our programs address children, adults, families and communities through public health clinics,
schools, and approved dental health providers.
Public Water Fluoridation
The Community Water Fluoridation Program is one of the best ways to prevent tooth decay
and help maintain healthy teeth. Fluoridation adjusts the amount of fluoride in drinking water
for those communities whose natural water fluoride level is low. Grant funds are available to
assist with the cost of fluoridation in some cases on a first-come, first-served basis.
Find out more »
Dental Corrections Program
The Dental Corrections Program provides financial assistance to children under 18 with
severe dental problems who lack other health care resources such as Medicaid or private insurance.
Approved dental care providers administer the Program's services to qualifying children,
and are reimbursed in full or part depending on need.
Find out more »
Regional Oral Health Consultants (ROHCs)
The MSDH Regional Oral Health Consultants (ROHCs) strive to improve the oral health of all
Mississippians by assisting county health departments to deliver age-appropriate oral health
anticipatory guidance and preventive oral health services in each public health district. ROHCs
are Registered Dental Hygienists that promote information sharing between health professionals
and community stakeholders to educate the public about the importance of good oral health and to
reduce the burden of oral disease.
Find out more »
What is fluoride?
Fluoride is a naturally-occurring element in water that deters bacterial growth and
improves the structure of tooth enamel to make it more resistant to decay, especially
in young children.
Why should my water be fluoridated?
The amount of natural fluoride in water varies widely from community
to community. Some water needs no additional fluoridation to be effective against tooth decay.
In areas with low or no fluoride concentrations, extra fluoridation helps give the water
the same benefit of cavity prevention that other areas enjoy.
What if my water system does not have a water fluoridation program?
Ask your child's physician or dentist about receiving supplements for children through 8 years of age.
What is a dental sealant?
A dental sealant is a plastic material that is applied to the chewing surface of the back teeth.
The sealant offers a mechanical barrier between the tooth enamel and germs that cause tooth decay.
Placing sealants is painless and simple, and requires no drilling.
Medicaid
How can I locate a dentist that accepts Medicaid?
The Mississippi Division of Medicaid has a provider locator
on their web site. Select a provider type of "Dentist" and specify the county you live in to find providers near you. Visit the Medicaid provider page »
How can I find a dentist in my area?
The Mississippi State Board of Dental Examiners' web site lets you look up licensed dentists by city, county, or specialty.
Find a licensed dentist »
How can I get low-cost dental care in Mississippi?
The Mississippi Dental Association's Donated Dental Services (DDS) Program provides free,
comprehensive dental care for elderly, disabled, and ill adults through volunteer dental providers.
Contact the MS Program Coordinator at 601-368-9823 for information, or download an application: Donated Dental Service application »
Mission First, Inc. is a non-profit ministry that supports the Medical and Dental Clinic at the
West Park Community Ministry Center. The clinic is at 275 Rose Neath St. in Jackson.
Contact the Dental Program at 601-608-0050 for eligibility information, or read about them on-line. Visit the Mission First website »
Community Health Centers (CHCs) are not-for-profit clinics that offer
dental services to all community residents, regardless of income or insurance.
CHCs charge a reduced fee based on a person's income and family size. List of Community Health Centers in Mississippi »
You can also contact the Mississippi Primary Health Care Association at 601-981-1817
The School of Dentistry at University of Mississippi Medical Center provides low-cost dental treatment through several programs.
Contact the School of Dentistry at 601-984-6080.
Resource Sheet: Find a Dentist in Your Community
