Development and Integration of Oral Health Services for Preschool age children

Resident: Roberts

Date: 7/30/10

Article title: Development and Integration of Oral Health Services for Preschool age children

Author: Crall, James

Journal: Pediatric Dentistry

Volume 27:4 pages:323 -329

Year: 2005

Discussion:

A National Health and Nutrition Examination Survery found that 60 percent of five year olds exhibited tooth decay by age 5. This number may be higher for low income and ethnic minorities that tend to have less access to health care facilities. Studies have shown that the prevalence of caries increases with age particularly with those that have limited access to oral health services. Considerable attention has been devoted to restructuring the framework that would allow underserved children better access to oral health care. Some of these issues include

• establishing a dental home at an early age
• using risk based approaches such as the “AAPD’s Caries Risk Assessment Tool” to better determine those at high risk for caries
• integrating and increasing coordination of dental and medical professionals
• allowing medical professionals to increase scope of services (including flouride varnish)
• educating both professionals and the public on the importance of oral health

Implementing these strategies to improve access to oral health care will take time and money. As pediatric dentist it is our responsiblity to insure better access to those with the greatest need.