Finding reliable dental care for children can be particularly challenging for military families in Alaska due to frequent relocations. Maintaining consistent oral health routines amidst a mobile lifestyle requires planning and the right support.

The Challenges of Military Life & Dental Care

Angela Heaphy, a registered nurse, mother of eight, and spouse of an Air Force veteran, understands the difficulties of military life. “We have moved 15 times, I think, and getting established as a new patient, especially with a pile of children, was always difficult,” she said. She notes that even timely calls to new dental offices often result in lengthy wait times for initial appointments.

Alaska Premier Dental Group: A Solution for Military Families

Alaska Premier Dental Group (APDG) offers a solution for military families seeking dental care in Alaska. Their dentists and staff have experience assisting military families with navigating insurance and providing continuous care, even after a relocation.

Establishing Healthy Dental Habits

Regular dental visits are crucial for children’s development. Drs. Brian Kruchoski and Clark Bassham of APDG recommend appointments every six months for both adults and children, with individual needs potentially requiring more frequent visits. This is especially important for children experiencing both primary and adult tooth development.

Consistency at home is equally vital. Children should ideally brush three times a day and floss once daily, particularly before bedtime. “The reason flossing is especially important at night is that, if the child only drinks water and does not eat after their final brushing before bed, this is the longest period the mouth goes without exposure to bacteria or acid from food and drinks,” explained Dr. Bassham.

Early Dental Care Tips

  • Begin gently brushing or wiping a child’s teeth with a warm washcloth as soon as they appear.
  • Alternate brushing for your child and allowing them to brush independently throughout early childhood.
  • Consider using electric toothbrushes to encourage early independence.
  • Supervise brushing technique or use plaque-disclosing tablets to identify missed areas.
  • Help children gain autonomy by brushing while they lie back in your arms.
  • Use individual plastic flossers for easier flossing.

Navigating Relocations & Insurance

Frequent moves can disrupt dental care. “I would recommend families prioritize finding their next dental office as soon as they learn where they will be moving,” Dr. Bassham advised. APDG understands this challenge and offers support during relocations, including referrals to practices with comparable standards of care.

APDG also works with military insurance plans, including navigating recent changes. Dr. Kruchoski shared a story of a patient who returned to APDG years later, stating, “He moved back to Alaska on his own in his 30s and returned to us because he felt taken care of and that we were his dental home.”

Alaska Premier Dental Group provides a range of dental services from their offices in Anchorage and Wasilla, Alaska. This article was produced by the sponsored content department of Anchorage Daily News in collaboration with Alaska Premier Dental Group. The ADN newsroom was not involved in its production.