The Kernan Dental Service is a complete dental practice at Kernan Hospital.
Located on the terrace level of the Hospital, the Dental Suite has eight treatment areas for general and pediatric dentistry. The Suite includes areas for disinfection, sterilization, X-ray and laboratory in addition to the reception and business areas.
The Kernan Hospital Operating Room Suite has facilities for comprehensive dental treatment under general anesthesia.
A special mission of the Kernan Dental Service is to serve children and adults who have limited access to oral health care in the community. This population includes mentally and/or physically disabled individuals, as well as many children in the Maryland Medicaid Program.
Mentally disabled adults experience a range of oral health problems greater than that seen in the general population. Their disabilities can make even routine care difficult, sometimes requiring the use of general anesthesia. The general dentists at Kernan have taken up the challenge of treating this special group.
Most disabled children have their health insurance through the Maryland Medicaid Program. Indeed, about 20 percent of Maryland children are covered by Medicaid, the government program that provides health care for the economically disadvantaged. Along with University of Maryland Dental School, the Dental Service is one of the largest providers of dental care for the Maryland Medicaid Program. Our staff of pediatric dentists is able to extend care to disabled children who would have difficulty accessing specialized care in the community.
The staff includes general and pediatric dentists, hygienists, dental assistants, business and clerical support. Our team includes fellows and residents in pediatric dentistry from the University of Maryland Dental School.