OKMULGEE, Okla. - The Muscogee (Creek) Nation Department of Health Dental Department is currently providing "Preventive" and "Interceptive" Orthodontics. These branches of orthodontics target our younger patients and can help to reduce the severity of the dental problem and possibly lessen the likelihood of needing traditional braces later in development.

Preventive/Interceptive Orthodontics typically includes appliances that maintain or create space to allow permanent teeth to erupt, or appliances that correct facial skeletal growth.

We will soon begin offering "Comprehensive" Orthodontics (braces) for those patients who are beyond preventive or interceptive orthodontics, either due to age or severity of the case.

Eligibility Guidelines

For the Preventive and Interceptive Orthodontic programs, the patient must be a patient of record with a complete exam on file within the last year. These 2 branches of the orthodontic program are open to any tribe. The age range is typically 6-12 years old, however it may vary case by case. The general dentist completing the annual exam will determine if the patient should be seen by the orthodontist.

For our new Comprehensive Orthodontic program (traditional braces), the patient must be able to show proof of Muscogee (Creek) citizenship. He/she must be a patient of record with a complete oral exam on file and completion of all dental work (fillings, extractions, hygiene, etc.).

Expectations

• The patient should be aware that they will need a complete oral exam first. The exam must be done at one of the MCNDH Dental clinics, and all of the recommended treatment must be completed as well.
• New patients scheduling for an exam, in order to be a candidate for the Ortho program, should be aware that they will be added to the schedule on a first come-first serve basis. Patients who already have an exam and dental treatment completed within the last year can be given a consultation appointment with the orthodontist at the dentist's discretion (the dentist may request an update on radiographs or follow up appointment to check oral hygiene prior to referral)


• The patient must have good-excellent oral hygiene.
• The patient must be motivated to adhere to the orthodontist's recommendations.
• The patient should also be able to commit to keeping an appointment with the orthodontist every 4-6 weeks, or any schedule as determined by the orthodontist.
• The central clinic will be the Okemah dental clinic; therefore, the patient must be able to travel to the Okemah clinic for all Orthodontic appointments.
 
For more information please contact the Okemah Dental Clinic at (918) 623-3016 or 3018.