Dental health Coverage

How they voted: NC congressional votes for the week ending March 7

A look at how North Carolina members of Congress voted during the previous week.

Targeted News Service

Medicaid expansion gives rural NC patients a boost

Medicaid expansion has only been in place for seven weeks in North Carolina. The data shows it's already helping more than 300,000 people who didn't have coverage before.

NC Medicaid expansion already helping rural areas, state health chief says

Medicaid expansion has only been in place for seven weeks in North Carolina. But data shows it's already helping more than 300,000 people, many in rural parts of the state. State DHHS Secretary Kody Kinsley sat down with WRAL News to talk about the program's progress.

Laura Leslie, WRAL capitol bureau chief

'Grins and Glocks': Wake Forest orthodontist offers free gun with Invisalign treatment

As part of a promotion, Gladwell Orthodontics and Youngsville Gun Club & Range are giving certain customers their pick between a Silver membership at the Youngsville Gun Club & Range or a free Glock 19, which retails for more than $500.

Destinee Patterson, WRAL reporter

Wake Forest orthodontist offers free Glock with dental treatment

A Wake Forest orthodontist is running a unique promotion that's drawing a lot of attention to the practice, offering a free gun for treatment.

Poe's annual Terrific Teeth Day provides free dental screenings

Terrific Teeth Day is from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 4. The event is designed for preschoolers to third graders and their families. Plus, it's free!

Dental costs soaring alongside inflation

As inflation impacts the price of pretty much everything, dental service costs have soared, too. Its putting a financial strain on patients and those treating them.

UNC dental students provide free care for children

The Adams School of Dentistry at UNC-Chapel Hill provided a special service for kids in need Friday.

Poe's annual Terrific Teeth Day provides online activities for young kids

Terrific Teeth Day is from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Feb. 5. The event is designed for preschoolers to third graders and their families. Plus, it's free!

Cary Cares: Free Day of Dentistry at Preston Dental Loft on Aug. 21

Cary Cares: Free Day of Dentistry is taking place on Saturday, August 21 at the Preston Dental Loft office.

Cavities, X-rays, and anxiety: Preparing your child for the dentist

Cary dentist Dr. Dan Howell has seen children as early as their first week of life. While that is a rare occurrence, it shows the importance of dental health in children, even at a very young age.

Kelly Hinchcliffe, freelance writer

How digital dentistry is advancing the field and benefiting patients

With new technology like digital X-rays, cone beam CTs and intraoral scanners, digital dentistry is improving the patient experience and expanding possibilities in the field.

Abbey Slattery, WRAL Digital Solutions

Cosmetic dentistry in the 21st century: the impact of new dental technology

Cosmetic dentistry procedures range from everything as simple as tooth whitening to more complex porcelain veneer placements. Through advances in digital dentistry, these cosmetic procedures are becoming more accurate, more effective, and more cost-effective.

Abbey Slattery, WRAL Digital Solutions

How dental technology is changing the implant process

In the past 10 years, implant technology has greatly changed, allowing for quicker, safer, and more-predictable procedures.

Abbey Slattery, WRAL Digital Solutions

Dental van to provide free access to care for kids, but space is limited

A dental van will be parked at the Wake County Southern Regional Center this week and in June to provide free dental services for two dozen children.

Sarah Lindenfeld Hall, Go Ask Mom editor

Stop before you pop: How to rethink your drink

For many people, there is nothing like an ice cold soda to "quench" their thirst on a hot day or a hot chocolate to warm you up on a cold evening. When it comes to taking care of our teeth and the rest of our bodies, sometimes we tend to focus on the foods we eat and forget that what we drink is just as important.

Alaina Hart, senior health educator at Poe Center for Health Education

Poe's annual Terrific Teeth Day goes virtual with online activities for young kids

Poe Center for Health Education's annual Terrific Teeth Day will go on in 2021. The annual event will take place live online from 10 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Feb. 6.

Sarah Lindenfeld Hall, Go Ask Mom editor

Over half of dental offices report COVID fear keeping patients from coming in

Since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, health experts have warned against avoiding regular checkups and emerging health concerns for fear of contracting the virus at a medical office.

Leslie Moreno, WRAL multimedia journalist

Poe Center dives into oral health during kid-friendly virtual sessions in June

June is Oral Health Month, and the Poe Center for Health Education in Raleigh has been offering up weekly lessons about the importance of keeping a healthy smile for a healthy body.

Sarah Lindenfeld Hall, Go Ask Mom editor

Don't skip your scheduled cleaning - here's how dentists are making your visit a safe one

Your oral health is an important component of your overall health, so be sure not to skip your scheduled cleaning. While you may feel reserved about going to the dentist given the current times, dental offices reopening after coronavirus restrictions are taking necessary steps to make patients safe during their appointments.

Latisha Catchatoorian, WRAL Digital Solutions

Cumberland County dentist treats emergency patients

Many dental offices are closed making it more difficult for people who need emergency dental care.

Gilbert Baez, Fayetteville reporter

Dental care during a pandemic

Many dental offices are closed making it more difficult for people who need emergency dental care.

Poe Center to offer free dental screenings for kids

Terrific Teeth Day is 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Feb. 1, at the center near downtown Raleigh.

Sarah Lindenfeld Hall, Go Ask Mom editor

Whiter teeth? Less acne? Sounds like bananas but could be a-peel-ing

Some scientists say a banana peel could help whiten teeth, clear up acne and help remove splinters.

Oral health resolutions can help you smile in the new year

Dr. Meenal Patel, the founder of Preston Dental Loft in Cary, talks with Renee Chou about resolutions people can make for their oral health.