To improve access to oral health services for young children and pregnant women, Virginia Health Catalyst has created the Early Dental Home workgroup. Learn more about the workgroup and how to get involved here.
Creating Healthy Habits Early
Learning Opportunities
Tooth decay is the most common chronic childhood disease in America; cavities strike almost 30% of kids before they lose their first tooth. Dental disease can lead to poor nutrition, failure to thrive, and missed school hours. Early dental care improves health and quality of life, and reduces oral health costs throughout childhood. To create a lasting impact on every child's health, we recommend:
- 6 months: Pediatrician checks at well-child visits until the child starts regular dental checkups
- 6 months: Fluoride varnish application until age 3
- Age 1: First dentist visit
- Age 3: Established, reliable dental home
We provide education on dental care and coverage for pregnant women. View our event calendar for upcoming events, or contact us to learn more.
Resources
Provider Resources
- Virginia Health Catalyst Integration Care Model: Early Childhood Health
- A Dental Home for Children (AAPD)
- VDH Oral Health Resources
- Bright Futures: Oral Health Pocket Guide, Third Edition (OHRC)
- Baby Oral Health Program Provider Training Videos (BOHP)
- National Maternal and Child Oral Health Resource Center
- Bright Smiles for Babies (VDH)
- Caries Risk-Assessment Tool (AAPD)
- Bright Futures Risk Assessment Form (AAP)
- Fluoride Varnish Billing Instructions
- Applying Fluoride Varnish (video)
Consumer Resources
- Tooth Talk Videos
- Sesame Street: Healthy Teeth, Healthy Me
- Fluoride Varnish: What Parents Need to Know
- Smiles for Children – Find a Medicaid Provider
- Video: Health Mouths for You and Your Baby| Bocas Sanas Para Ti y Tu Bebe (University of Maryland School of Public Health) English and Spanish Available
- Tips on Oral Health Issues for Parents (Head Start)
- Report: Dental Sealants: Proven to Prevent Tooth Decay (CDHP, 2014)
- Vital Signs Report: Dental Sealants Prevent Cavities (CDC, 2016)
School Based Oral Health Care Resources
- School Nurse Oral Health and Wellness Resources (Oral Health Connections)
- Selecting a School-Based Oral Health Care Program (Michigan Dental Association)
- School Oral Health Resource Library (School-Based Health Alliance)