Early Childhood Oral Health

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Early Childhood Oral Health

• A link in the chain to the well-being of
  Colorados young children

Theresa Anselmo, MPH(c), BSDH, RDH Director, Oral
Health Unit Colorado Department of Public Health
and Environment
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Key Concepts

• Oral Health is integral to health
• In an arid resource climate, there are
  proportionally more resources for this population
  (young children)
• There are numerous tools, models, and
  evidence-based programs to address the variety of
  issues facing this age group

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System of Care

• 80-90 of dental care occurs in the private
  sector
• Fewer than 25 are Medicaid providers
• Fewer than 10 are significant billers (10K/yr
  in claims)
• The dental safety-net does not consistently
  address oral health
• Current dental safety-net is at capacity
• There are limited specialists (pediatric DDS),
  and generalists feel ill-equipped to treat really
  young children

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Integration is the wave of the future

• Assess the population
• What are the true needs (Prev. vs Tx)
• Adopt cross-disciplinary models to address needs
• Well-child checks
• Infant OH assessments, F- varinshes etc.
• Engage the private sector
• Consultation
• Referral network

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Resources

• Tools for assessment
• Research on evidence-based interventions
• Networking and association with oral health care
  providers
• Advocacy, education and promotion on the value of
  oral health to health, learning and better
  quality of life

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Options

• Cavity Free at Three
• Infant oral care model
• Cross-disciplinary (screening in medical setting
  with appropriate referral to the dental setting)
• Application of fluoride varnish
• Adopt oral health activities into child care
  setting

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Contact

• Theresa (Tracy) Anselmo
• theresa.anselmo_at_state.co.us
• 303-692-2569
• www.cdphe.state.co.us/pp/oralhealth.html