Touro College of Dental Medicine, the first predoctoral dental training facility in New Mexico, has announced Touro Dental Health Kids, a dedicated pediatric dental program focused on expanding access to affordable, high quality dental care for children and families across the state.

Developed in response to the growing need for accessible pediatric dental care in New Mexico, the program aims to support families facing barriers to preventive oral healthcare, particularly in underserved communities.

“Our goal is to make it easier for New Mexico families to access quality dental care for their children,” said Joseph Parkinson, DDS, MPA, FAGD, executive assistant dean of the New Mexico campus. “By offering affordable services in a supervised teaching environment, we are able to care for more patients while helping children build healthy habits early in their lives.”

Touro Dental Health Kids offers comprehensive pediatric dental care at rates between 20% and 50% lower than private practices. It accepts Medicaid and most major dental insurance plans, making care more accessible for families throughout New Mexico.

The program provides a wide range of pediatric dental services including preventive maintenance, oral hygiene counseling, and access to orthodontic services such as braces. In some cases, children’s visits may also include radiographs, commonly known as x rays, and diagnostic exams as part of their broader treatment plan.

With specialists on site, TCDM is able to accommodate patients efficiently and provide coordinated care for children with varying dental needs in one convenient location.

To honor the launch of the program, TCDM is offering complimentary screenings and cleanings for children up to 16 years old at its Albuquerque clinic. Families can schedule complimentary pediatric screenings and cleanings by calling (505) 658-8236 or submitting a request online by visiting dental.touro.edu/patients/nm.