Dentists' friendly approach puts smiles on youths' faces Clinic offers sliding fees for patients ages 3 to 21

Alex Kwok arrived at the North County Children's Dental Clinic with a pout on his face and a nagging ache in his tooth.

The 4-year-old opened wide and poked a stubby index finger in his mouth to show Dr. Beverly Jimenez the source of his discomfort.

Thirty minutes later, he was feeling better.

For two years, the Glen Burnie dental clinic has been making residents ages 3 to 21 feel better, applying fluoride, filling and cleaning teeth, and teaching the basics of dental hygiene.

The services are offered on a sliding scale. Patients can receive discount vouchers for up to 35 percent of the fee to see participating private dentists if they need services the clinic doesn't provide.

The clinic, on the second floor of the North County Health Services Center, sees an average of 170 patients a year and is booked through August, although emergency cases are seen. The staff consists of three pediatric dentists, a general dentist and two hygienists.

The Glen Burnie clinic and its smaller sister operation in Annapolis receive $410,000 in county and state money to pay for salaries and supplies, said Dr. Harry Curland, director of the county's maternity and child health division.

The dental staff relies on word of mouth and referrals, and also visits schools to encourage patients to come to the clinic. Dental peer counselors, paid through a $50,000 University of Maryland Dental School grant, are stationed in the maternity section of the health clinic to make sure new parents are aware of the dental services.

Recently, Learae Mera, 28, of Pasadena, the mother of three, was the peer counselor, sitting next to photographs depicting baby-tooth decay and offering dental literature. Mera has been taking her children to the dental clinic for a year and a half.

Tooth drills become Power Rangers in search of bugs, in the vocabulary of dentists and dental assistants. Mouth rinse guns become "squirt guns." Novocain becomes "sleepy juice." Words such as "needle" and "hurt" are never uttered.

The strategy was a success with Carlis Dewese, 4, who needed cavities filled. The Ferndale boy, accompanied by his father, Carlis Sr., bounced into the dentist's chair. He donned sunglasses to block out the light from the overhead lamp and peppered Dr. Jimenez with questions about what she was doing.

Dewese, 26, is a self-employed home improvement contractor. His wife, Denise, 30, is a waitress.

"We don't have any insurance, so we come to the clinic," Mrs. Dewese said as her daughter played nearby with paper and crayons. "We love it here," she said, noting that parents are allowed to stay with their children. "They're really good with the kids. They have no fear."

The clinic is at 791 Aquahart Road. Hours are 8: 30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. Information: 222-6861.

Pub Date: 5/29/96