Having no or inadequate health insurance is a reality for many, and can affect dental health.

A group of several doctors in western Nevada County have opened a dental clinic that accepts patients with coverage through Medi-Cal/Denti-Cal, a branch of Medi-Cal that provides free dental care to people younger that 21 and to those with no insurance. The focus is on maternity and pediatric patients.

“These are critical times in life to establish or re-establish good oral hygiene,” said Dr. Justin Pfaffinger, a Grass Valley native, father and general dentist who works at a private family practice in Nevada City. “Good oral health leads to better general health.”

The clinic is expanding to serve all needy adults.

Medi-Cal is not accepted by many dentists locally due to the cost to the office. “It's hard to be a Medi-Cal provider in a private office,” Pfaffinger added.

Miners Family Health Clinic CEO Scott McFarland conceived the idea for the clinic. It is spearheaded by Pfaffinger, with support from pediatric dentists Lindsey Robinson and Terry Horlick and several area general dentists, including Jean Creasey, known for her humanitarian work in Uganda.

“The reason why we wanted to get something going is because there are a tremendous number of families, especially children, who do not see the dentist at all in Nevada County,” usually because they don't have insurance or have Medi-Cal, Pfaffinger said.

The clinic opened in October 2009, seeing patients one day a week.

“From day one, we've been totally packed with kids. Word spreads in the community quickly,” Pfaffinger said.

They are open four days a week.

‘Fun environment'

The clinic is a federally qualified health center — meaning it is located in an area that has a large enough percentage of people who have low-income status to receive government funding and grants.

Patients pay on a sliding scale or for a percentage of the service based on their income.

The clinic is child-friendly: Walls are decorated with animals, puppets are used for demonstration and a television keeps waiting patients entertained.

“It's important to have a positive, fun environment” for children, Pfaffinger said.

On Tuesdays, a dentist treats pregnant woman and other self-paying adults. Pfaffinger treats children Wednesdays through Fridays.

Pediatric oral care is more relevant than ever, as many families prepare to return their children to school.

“It's important to teach children to take care of their teeth,” Pfaffinger said. “Kids are notorious for not wanting to brush or floss. The earlier we start that process, the better.”

He noted that there is a misconception that baby teeth are “dispensable.” Not true, he said.

“You can affect the adult teeth that are coming in behind them and make them more susceptible to getting cavities,” Pfaffinger said.

It's all about developing good habits, he said.

The clinic is accepting new patients. Other insurance besides Medi-Cal is welcome.

“If you want to have good teeth, you got to take care of them,” said Pfaffinger.

To contact Reader Liaison Angela Diaz, e-mail adiaz@theunion.com or call (530) 477-4203.