CHILDRENS' REGIONAL ORAL HEALTH OUTREACH
Tooth decay is the most common chronic disease among children and adolescents in the United States, despite the fact that it is almost entirely preventable. Untreated tooth decay causes pain and infections that may lead to problems with basic daily activities such as eating, speaking, playing, and learning. Essential components of children’s oral heath include daily brushing and flossing, drinking fluoridated water, and getting regular dental check-ups, and are the best defense against tooth decay.
OUTREACH AND EDUCATION
Funding through MDAC, Maryland Dental Action Coalition, allowed a pilot project to begin involving the Early Head Start Program in Talbot County. These children will receive 3 fluoride varnish applications during the course of a year and hopefully followed for a 5 year period. Parent education sessions are included in this project.
Dental supplies have been provided to WIC in Dorchester, Talbot & Caroline County with the Maryland Office of Oral Health funding. Jeanie Holtz, RDH applies fluoride varnish and one-on-one sessions with parents for their children’s dental health.
Other venues where oral health outreach and education has occurred are: Daycare centers, Eastern Shore Hospital, Memorial Hospital, Libraries, and Health Fairs.