Children's Dental Care
Little River Medical Center provides dental care for children and teenagers at our dental offices in Little River, Carolina Forest, and Aynor. We handle checkups, cleanings, sealants, fillings, and the everyday problems that come up while a child’s teeth are still developing. We accept South Carolina Healthy Connections Medicaid, CHIP, Medicare, TRICARE, and most private dental insurance, and families without coverage can apply for our sliding fee scale. No child is turned away because of an inability to pay. Call 843-663-8000 to schedule.
What we do for children
A child’s visit usually starts with a cleaning and an exam, and goes from there depending on what your child needs. Our dental team provides:
- Checkups, exams, and X-rays
- Cleanings and fluoride treatments
- Dental sealants to protect back teeth from decay
- Fillings
- Extractions when a tooth cannot be saved
- Care for dental pain and infection
- Guidance for parents on brushing, diet, and habits like thumb sucking
When to start, and how often
Most children should see a dentist by their first birthday, or within six months of their first tooth coming in. That first visit is short and mostly about getting your child comfortable, checking that teeth are coming in as expected, and giving you a few practical things to do at home.
After that, most children should come twice a year. Children with a history of cavities may need to come more often, and your dental team will tell you if that applies.
What your coverage pays for
Children’s dental care is well covered under most plans, and we accept a wide range of them. Here is what generally applies:
| Your coverage | What generally applies |
|---|---|
| Private dental insurance | Most plans cover preventive visits, often fully, plus fillings and sealants. Pediatric dental is also an essential health benefit on Marketplace plans for children under 19. We accept most private plans. |
| South Carolina Medicaid | Generously covered. For members under 21: exams and X-rays, a cleaning and fluoride application every six months, sealants, fillings, and root canals. |
| CHIP (Partners for Healthy Children) | South Carolina's CHIP covers children in families earning above the Medicaid limit, with dental benefits. Call and we will confirm what your child's plan includes. |
| TRICARE | Military family dental runs through a separate dental program. |
| No insurance | Apply for our sliding fee scale. Your cost is based on household size and income, and no child is turned away for inability to pay. |
One thing worth knowing if your child is on Medicaid: children’s dental coverage runs to age 21, not 18. If you have a teenager or a young adult still on Medicaid, they are very likely still covered for routine dental care. Adult coverage after 21 is much more limited, with an annual cap on covered services.
Coverage is administered through the state’s dental plan for Medicaid, and benefits can change, so call us at 843-663-8000 and we will check your child’s coverage before the visit whatever plan you have.
If your child has no insurance
Families without dental insurance can still bring their children to us. Our sliding fee scale lowers the cost of the visit based on your household size and income, and we will tell you what you owe before treatment starts. Bring a photo ID and proof of household income from the last 30 days if you want to apply.
Dental care at school through Miles for Smiles
Getting to a dental appointment is not simple for every family. Our Miles for Smiles mobile dental program brings care directly to schools and Head Start programs in the community, so a child can be seen without a parent missing a shift or a child missing a full day of class.
If your child is nervous about the dentist
Plenty of children are anxious about the dentist, and some have had a bad experience already. Tell us when you book, and we will take the visit at your child’s pace. You are welcome to stay with your child during the appointment. For a first visit, it often helps to keep your own description simple and positive, and to avoid words like “hurt” or “shot” even in reassurance.
Where to bring your child
We see children for dental care at three offices: Little River, Carolina Forest, and Aynor, plus the Mobile Dental Unit. Call 843-663-8000 or request an appointment online to book at the office nearest you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Medicaid cover dental care for children in South Carolina?
Yes. South Carolina Healthy Connections covers routine dental care for members under 21, including exams, X-rays, cleanings and fluoride every six months, sealants, and fillings. Call us and we will verify your child's coverage before the visit.
What age does children's dental coverage end?
Medicaid dental coverage for routine children's services runs through age 20, ending at 21. Many parents assume it stops at 18, so teenagers and young adults are often still covered.
When should my child first see a dentist?
By their first birthday, or within six months of their first tooth. The first visit is short and focused on comfort and prevention.
Do you see children without insurance?
Yes. We offer a sliding fee scale based on household size and income, and no child is turned away for inability to pay.
What are dental sealants?
A thin protective coating applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth, where most childhood cavities start. They are covered for children under SC Medicaid.
Can my child be seen at school?
Our Miles for Smiles mobile program provides dental care at participating schools and Head Start sites. See the list of locations at https://www.lrmcenter.com/miles-for-smiles/
We accept most insurance plans, including:
- Medicare
- Medicaid
- Private or commercial plans
- ACA or Healthcare Marketplace plans
ESTABLISHED PATIENTS ONLY:
Same Day / Next Day Appointments
If you are an established patient, we can provide you with a same-day/next-day appointment. If you find it necessary to cancel your appointment, please call us as early as possible so that we may offer your time to someone else. We can offer telehealth visits if transportation or other issues prevent you from keeping your appointment.
After Hours:
If you are sick outside of normal office hours, please call the after-hours number to contact the provider on call. They will provide you with additional instruction. If you are experiencing a health emergency, please call 911.
After Hours: 843.497.3424
