Dental Services

ICHC dental program provides services for all ages. We focus on early screening for children and sealants for school-age children. Dental services include:

  • X-rays
  • Exams
  • Cleanings
  • Sealants
  • Fluoride treatment
  • Restorative care (fillings
  • Extractions (removing teeth
  • Some root canals
  • Information on how to care for your teeth

Dental Care Team

Our dental staff includes dentists, hygienists and dental assistants.

Mobile Van Program

The ICHC dental van provides routine dental care clinics at elementary schools, Head Start programs, and daycare centers throughout Whatcom County. Using mobile equipment, a dentist and dental assistant provide exams, cleaning, flossing, fluoride treatments and oral hygiene instruction.

For more information on the Mobile Van Program contact the Mobile Care Coordinator at 676-6177, ext. 3102.

Pregnancy and Dental Care

The Whatcom County Oral Health Coalition has identified dental care during pregnancy as a key strategy for improving our community’s oral health. In support of the Oral Health Coalition, Interfaith Dental Clinics provide oral hygiene, exams and restorative dental care to women during pregnancy.

    Adult Specialty Programs

    ICHC has funding for adult programs for special populations:

    • Developmentally disabled
    • People living with HIV/AIDS

    For more information please contact our reception desk at 676-6177.

    Standby Program for Adult Urgent Dental Care

    ICHC provides adult urgent dental care on a standby basis Monday - Friday. If you are in pain or have swelling, you should arrive at the health center at 7:45 a.m.

    Our adult dental services are limited to screenings, x-rays, fillings, and extractions. We are not able to provide cleanings, root canals, or crowns.

    Patients are served on a first-come, first-served basis. There is no guarantee that you will be seen that same day.

    Dental Care for Babies

    10 Simple Ways You Can Protect your Baby’s Smile
    From the Whatcom County Oral Health Coalition

    1. Look at your baby’s teeth. Babies change quickly. Lift your baby’s lip. Look for changes to your baby’s teeth. If you notice white or brown spots on the teeth, or anything unusual, phone your baby’s dentist or PCP.
    2. Start dental check-ups by first birthday
    3. Protect you baby’s teeth with fluoride. Fluoride is a mineral that helps make teeth stronger. Strong teeth fight cavities. Ask our dentist about fluoride varnish for the teeth. Ask about fluoride drops and tablets.
    4. Clean teeth everyday before bed. Clean infant gums and first teeth with a moist cloth. When your baby has more teeth, use a small soft toothbrush. Use a small bit of toothpaste with fluoride. (The toothpaste should only be the size of a grain of rice).
    5. Limit sugar and a lot of snacks. Cavities are caused by germs that like sugar and starches. This includes crackers, pretzels, juice, soda pop and candy. Limit juice and soda pop. When your child is thirsty, give water.
    6. No bottles in bed. Formula, juice, milk and breast milk will cause cavities when left in baby’s mouth while sleeping. If you must give your baby a bottle in bed, fill it with plain water.
    7. Use a cup by age one. Wean the baby from bottles by age one. Start using a sippy cup at 6 months.
    8. Don’t share toothbrushes. Cavities are caused by germs. Germs are passed to babies through saliva. Don’t share toothbrushes or food with your baby.
    9. Help children brush up to age 6. Pay attention to night time brushing. Children should also brush after breakfast.
    10. Take care of yourself. Your children learn by watching you. Show them that you value a healthy body and teeth. Brush and floss your teeth. Make regular dental visits. Take good care of yourself.

    Dental Care for Children

    10 Simple Ways to a Super Smile
    From the Whatcom County Oral Health Coalition

    1. Brush teeth right—day and night! Brush for 2 minutes. Set a timer or play a song. Start at the gum line. Wiggle the toothbrush in tiny circles over every side of each tooth. This will clean food off. Do not eat after you brush at night. It’s okay to drink water.
    2. Floss your teeth. Floss between all teeth at bedtime. Flossing will remove food and germs that cause cavities.
    3. Drink lots of water. Water cleans teeth. Soda pop has a lot of sugar. Most pop has 12 teaspoons of sugar in a 12 ounce can. Diet drinks harm teeth too. When thirsty, water is the best drink.
    4. Visit the dentist twice a year.
    5. Get sealants on your teeth. Sealants are special coatings that fill the tiny grooves on back teeth. Sealants help prevent cavities. Ask the dentist if your child should get sealants.
    6. Snack smart. Choose smart snacks like fresh fruit, cheese, nuts, and sugarless gum. Limit sugary, starchy food. Avoid food that sticks to your teeth.
    7. Use fluoride. Fluoride makes teeth strong. Use toothpaste and rinses that contain fluoride. A pea-size amount of toothpaste is just right for children. Ask the dentist about chewable fluoride tablets.
    8. Guard your smile. Use a mouth guard during sports or play that could hurt your mouth. Mouth guards need to be replaced as a child grows.
    9. Be smart, don’t start. Smoking and chewing tobacco can hurt your mouth. It gives you stinky breath. It stains your teeth. It makes it hard to breathe.
    10. Remember your smile is forever. Take good care of your baby teeth. New teeth come in between ages 5 to 12. The new teeth should last a lifetime. Brush twice a day. Have good eating habits. You’ll have a super smile forever.