Pediatric Dentistry Program at Chester River Hospital

Did you know that Chester River Hospital is part of the Children's Regional Oral Health Consortium (CROC), which focuses on providing dental care services to low-income children, special needs adults, and pregnant women throughout Maryland? Dental disease and the lack of access to dental care is one of the most critical health care issues on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. Children in Maryland have three times the national average of untreated tooth decay, with the children on the Eastern Shore having the highest percentage in the state. The majority of the Eastern Shore is considered dentally underserved and barriers exist to access dental care for low-income patients.

As part of the CROC program, Chester River Hospital provides surgical facilities and equipment for hospital-based pediatric dental cases to Kent and Queen Anne's county residents. To date, 124 children have received services through the CROC program! This equates to 1,365 teeth that have been treated, which is on average 11 teeth per child. CROC, with the participation of Chester River Hospital, has increased the availability of dental services for our community.

Coverage for these services is provided by the program "Maryland Healthy Smiles." The following dentists are affiliated with the program and accept Maryland Healthy Smiles:

For information on how to apply to the Maryland Healthy Smiles Program, contact your local Department of Social Services:

County of Kent: Social Services Department
350 High Street
Chestertown, MD 21620-1360
410-810-7600

Queen Anne's County Department of Social Services
Carter M. Hickman District Court/Multi-Service Center
125 Comet Drive
Centreville, MD 21617
410-758-8000