New Hanover County Health and Human Services currently offers two different dental outreach programs throughout the County: The Mobile Dental Unit and the Older Adult Dental Program.

Our Mobile Dental Unit offers services in for children ages 3 to 18 years without accessible or established dental care or insurance. Typical services include comprehensive dental exams, cleanings, fluoride treatments, extractions, X-rays, sealants, and fillings.

Our Older Adult Dental Program provides comprehensive dental care for low-income older adults aged 55 and older. This service began in July 2022 and is provided through New Hanover County Health and Human Services and the Senior Resource Center, in partnership with Access Dental Care, Inc. Typical services include dental exams, X-rays, cleanings, fillings, extractions, select root canals, dentures, and partials. 

Our Older Adult Dental Program is eligible for those who are: age 55 and older, a New Hanover County resident, whose income is below 200% the federal poverty level, and does not currently have dental insurance.

Our Mobile Dental Unit sees children 3 to 18 years of age, children with Medicaid, as well as children with no dental insurance (sliding fee scale, based on income). They are currently in the following schools between New Hanover and Brunswick counties:

New Hanover County:

• Rachel Freeman Elementary
• Sunset Park Elementary
• Gregory Elementary/Williston Middle
• Dorothy B Johnson Pre-K
• Wrightsboro Elementary
• Snipes Academy
• Mary C. Williams Elementary
• Castle Hayne Elementary/Holly Shelter Middle
• Alderman Elementary
• College Park Elementary
• Bradley Creek Elementary

Brunswick County:

• Belville Elementary
• Jessie Mae Monroe Elementary
• Lincoln Elementary
• Supply Elementary
• Union Elementary
• Town Creek Elementary
• Bolivia Elementary
• Waccamaw K-8
• Virginia Williamson Elementary

2023 Progress

The New Hanover County Dental Outreach programs are doing well and had a successful year in 2023, seeing over 2,500 patients collectively.

2024 Progress

The New Hanover County Dental Outreach programs achieved great success in 2024. In the older adult dental program, many participants who previously relied on soft foods are now able to enjoy a wider variety of meals including solid foods. For some clients, this was their first opportunity to get dental treatment. This program has allowed for many New Hanover County residents to get their smile back.