Oral Health - Public Health Region 8

  Regional Oral Health Banner

The Regional Dental Team (RDT) for Public Health Regions 8 and 11 supports the DSHS Oral Health Improvement Program mission of promoting oral health through collaboration, data collection, education and preventive services.

Smiles in Schools (SiS)

SiS is a public oral health program that provides education and limited preventive services to low-income, underserved pre-school and school-aged children in Texas. RDTs travel across Texas with mobile dental equipment to provide limited preventive services on school campuses. Go to the School Nurses and Administrators page for more information.

Services:

  • Oral Health Education
  • Dental Screenings
  • Dental Sealants
  • Fluoride Varnish
  • Letter for the parent with dental findings and recommendations

Note: The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) promotes the Dental Home concept. Services provided by DSHS regional dental teams are limited and do not replace regular visits to the dentist.

Oral Health by the Numbers

RDTs also collect and analyzes oral health data to learn about the oral health status of Texans. Visit the Oral Health by the Numbers page to check out some of our data briefs.

Smiles for Moms and Babies

RDTs also promote oral health for pregnant women and babies. See the Smiles for Moms and Babies page to learn more.

Collaboration

RDTs work with regional public health programs and others interested community partners in the provision of dental services.

Community Water Fluoridation

The Texas Fluoridation Program (TFP) works to improve the health of Texans by preventing tooth decay through community water fluoridation. Community water fluoridation is safe and the most cost-effective way to deliver fluoride to people of all ages, races, and economic statuses. 

Need help finding a dentist?

2-1-1 Texas Logo

OHIP does not provide direct dental services. Call 2-1-1 or use the Low-cost Dental Options Guide to help find dental services in your region. 211Texas.org can assist you in finding dental service options that best meet your needs. 


Dental Contacts

Matthew Williams, D.M.D., Regional Dentist
Cynthia C. King, R.D.H., Regional Dental Hygienist