Dental Services

CHM ensures that inmates will receive necessary dental care. Dental services include instruction in oral hygiene, examination and treatment of dental problems. CHM works with facilities to develop a system for prioritizing responses to dental needs. All care will be recorded in the inmate’s medical record. Dental services can be provided either onsite or off-site, based on facility size and need. When services are provided onsite, CHM will provides instruction in oral hygiene and preventative oral education within 14 days of admission. Current infection control procedures are followed and routine dental problems are managed in a timely fashion in keeping with current community standards of practice. Extractions are performed in a manner consistent with community standards of care and adhering to the American Dental Association’s clinical guidelines. Any restorative dental procedures will adhere to the American Dental Association’s clinical guidelines. Dentures will be provided within appropriate guidelines and according to facility policy.  Appropriate inventory and control of all supplies, instruments and chemicals used in the provision of dental services will be maintained.

When dental services are provided off-site, CHM contracts with and manages the services to ensure appropriateness and timeliness of care. CHM ensures that all dental services provided off-site are documented on inmate’s health record at the facility.