Children's Dental Division

The Children's Dental Division is available for children with active Medicaid/MO HealthNet and is limited to Taney county residents only. Children must be 18 years of age or under.

Open: Monday – Friday, 8:00am – 4:30 pm

Taney County Health Department
Children’s Dental Division
15479 US Hwy 160 (In the Cedar Square Shopping Mall across from McDonald’s)
P.O. Box 369
Forsyth, Missouri 65653

417-546-4725 extension #311
888-707-4725 extension #311
417-546-4727 fax

Chyrelle Blount, D.D.S., Julianne Schanda , Dental Division Manager, and Jody Finestead, CDA (Certified Dental Assistant).

History

In 1997, the Taney County Health Department completed a Community Health Assessment that showed a need for dental care among children with Medicaid. Reports from the school community indicated 75% of the students do not visit a dentist on a regular basis due in part to no insurance or limited financial resources. Local dentists volunteered their time to complete dental screening in schools to assess the need.

Screening showed 30% of the children screened had visible decay.

On May 5, 2000, the Taney County Health Department and Taney County dentists joined forces to open the “first-of-its kind” children’s Medicaid dental clinic in Taney County. Local dentists who volunteered included Dr. Edward Schanda, Dr. Rick Tallon, Dr. Jeffrey Rick, Dr. Chris Willard, and Dr. Suzanne Quigg. At the end of the first year, the TCHD Children’s Dental Division had provided services to approximately 300 children, however the waiting list had grown to 700! In August 2001, Dr. Heather Hudkins was hired as a full-time dentist along with a dental assistant to operate the clinic four days a week. In March 2002, a part-time assistant position was added. Dr. Hudkins left the TCHD Children’s Dental Division in August 2005 to pursue a career in private practice. Dr. Chyrelle Blount joined the team in October 2005 as the full-time dentist. The office is currently open five days a week and has 2 full-time assistants and a manager.

Chyrelle Blount, D.D.S. has been working full-time at the TCHD Children’s Dental Division since 2005.

The Dental Division is funded by Medicaid reimbursement and Taney County Tax dollars. Medicaid reimburses on average 50% of normal and customary fees. The overhead is low because the TCHD provides the space and utilities.

Services include: Cleanings, x-rays, fluoride, oral hygiene education, sealants, restoration, space maintainers, stainless steel crowns, root canals, and extractions.

The purpose of the Children’s Dental Division is to treat, prevent and educate.