According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, tooth decay is the most common chronic disease among American children. And data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 25 percent of children ages 5 to 19 who live at or below the federal poverty level have untreated tooth decay. These are some rather sobering statistics, impacting millions of children nationwide.
[Read more…] about Dental Care for ChildrenMobile Devices
The Oregon Dental Association just completed its 3-day conference yesterday. Due to other commitments, I was only able to attend one day of the conference. So, unfortunately, I missed out on a lot. But not all was lost. The conference coordinator was brilliant in having attendees use the specially designed Trip Builder Media mobile app to coordinate information and activities through attendees’ mobile devices.
[Read more…] about Mobile DevicesMake Moms Smile
As you know, I am passionate about good oral health. It’s important throughout all stages of life, especially during pregnancy. And it is often overlooked. There are some myths around getting dental care during pregnancy. Although most obstetricians and dentists agree there is a need for oral health care during this time, they do not always encourage pregnant women to get the care they need. What’s worse, because of the lack of encouragement, there are women who still believe that they’ll lose a tooth while pregnant, or they can’t have dental x-rays. The list of bad advice and old wives tales goes on!
[Read more…] about Make Moms SmileWIC Nutrition Fair & Breastfeeding Services
A few weeks ago I blogged about “Baby Dental Days” at one of the Clackamas County (Oregon) Women, Infant and Children (WIC) centers. This event includes basic oral health screening, fluoride varnish, education and referral for children ages 0 to 5 who do not have a dentist. It occurs in conjunction with the monthly WIC Nutrition Fair. Last week I had the opportunity to visit the Oregon City center where Julie Albers, the public health programs manager, was kind enough to be my guide. She gave me a tour of the center, introduced me to WIC staff and the dentist, and discussed the programs.
[Read more…] about WIC Nutrition Fair & Breastfeeding ServicesDental Health Fair
Normally the Beavercreek and Sunnyside Health Centers in Clackamas County, Oregon are closed on weekends. But this past Saturday, both clinics were open and they were both busy treating underinsured or uninsured adults who lack dental care. Thanks to the efforts of staff within the county’s Health, Housing & Human Services, and with grants from Health Share of Oregon and Family Care, about 115 adults received dental care.
[Read more…] about Dental Health FairBaby Dental Days
Many of you know about the WIC program. It’s officially called “The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children.” Since 1974 WIC has provided nutrition and breastfeeding education and support; health screening; referrals to other health, welfare and social agencies; and vouchers to buy healthy foods for low-income pregnant, nutritionally at-risk women.
[Read more…] about Baby Dental DaysGive Kids A Smile
As I mentioned in last week’s blog, February is National Children’s Oral Health Month, and about 1500 clinics nationwide use this opportunity to offer free dental services to about 450,000 underserved children. I want to give a special “shout-out” to Pacific University’s School of Dental Health Science for partnering with members of the Washington County (Oregon) Dental Society in providing dental care to children in the county.
[Read more…] about Give Kids A SmileNational Children’s Dental Health Month
Each February, the American Dental Association (ADA) sponsors the month-long National Children’s Dental Health Month (NCDHM). The purpose of NCDHM is to raise awareness among children, their caregivers, teachers, and others about the importance of good oral health. The ADA believes that instilling “good habits at an early age and scheduling regular dental visits helps children to get a good start on a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.” The ADA has multiple resources to help dental professionals, health care providers and educators nationwide promote the benefits of oral health. For more information, go to: http://www.ada.org/en/public-programs/national-childrens-dental-health-month/
[Read more…] about National Children’s Dental Health MonthDental Coverage for Adults
Not a Lot to Smile About
Although pediatric dental services (for children up to age 19) are covered under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), dental services for adults are not covered. What does this mean? It means that all health plans must provide services like exams, cleanings, sealants, and some types of restoration to all children, and oral health risk assessments for children up to age 10.
[Read more…] about Dental Coverage for AdultsPerinatal Oral Health
There is a misconception among some health care professionals that preventive and restorative dental treatment during pregnancy is not safe, and is therefore not advised. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Good oral health can improve the health and well-being of pregnant women, and it contributes to improving the health and well-being of their children as well.
[Read more…] about Perinatal Oral Health