The Department of Pediatric Dentistry
Pediatric Dentistry Clinic
The Department of Pediatric Dentistry of the University of Iowa College of Dentistry staffs the Pediatric Dentistry Clinic which serves infants, children, and young adults with developmental disabilities. The staff provide a wide range of oral health services using an interdisciplinary approach.
Referrals
Children may be referred to the clinic by parents (or an authorized representative), physicians, dentists, other members of the Division of Developmental Disabilities interdisciplinary team, Area Education Agency personnel, or service providers from community agencies.
Assessment
Children who are assessed by any of the outpatient clinics at the Division of Developmental Disabilities are eligible for a dental evaluation. Pediatric Dentistry Clinic staff will examine the child, provide an oral health assessment, and make recommendations for treatment and follow-up care. Children who are admitted to the Inpatient Unit at the division also receive an oral health screening and recommendations for appropriate follow-up care. The staff are also available for consultation with local care providers upon request.
Findings and recommendations
Following the oral health evaluation, recommendations for follow-up management will be shared with the family. These recommendations may include information about home care to prevent dental concerns, or recommendations for treatment. A written summary of the findings will be included in the written report that is sent to the family.
Coordination and follow-up care
If dental treatment is needed, or if regular dental evaluations and follow-up care are recommended, the staff will attempt to coordinate this with a local dentist. Staff can also provide referral and care coordination with other clinics at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. If follow-up evaluations at the Pediatric Dentistry Clinic are recommended, these can be coordinated with the child's local dentist, or upon request the child may be registered as a regular patient at the clinic for ongoing care.
Other services
In addition to outpatient and inpatient evaluations and screenings, the Pediatric Dentistry Clinic provides the following services:
- A complete range of clinical dental services for children with developmental disabilities who register as patients of the clinic.
- Consultative services to parents, physicians, dentists, and other health care providers, as well as to local service providers.
- Outreach to provide inservice training for local care providers on oral health management for children with developmental disabilities.
- Dental treatment performed under general anesthesia as necessary.
- Consultation, evaluation, and dental treatment for children who have extensive medical complications or are otherwise medically compromised.
- Limited free dental services to children with developmental disabilities who meet certain income guidelines.
Fees
Outpatient and inpatient evaluations and screenings are offered as an interdisciplinary service to children who receive assessment at the Division of Developmental Disabilities. Dental treatment for registered patients is provided on a fee-for-service basis.
For more information
For more information about the services available in the Pediatric Dentistry Clinic, please contact:
Dental Hygienist Coordinator
Pediatric Dentistry Clinic
Division of Developmental Disabilities
Center for Disabilities and Development
Iowa City, Iowa 52242-1011
319-356-1513 (voice)
319-353-6805 (TTY)
To schedule an appointment, please call:
319-353-6711 (voice)
319-353-6805 (TTY)
©2009 The
University of Iowa College of Dentistry