Improving Pediatric Oral Health Through School-Based Dental Programs

Amber Warner shows off her teeth after a dental exam at the Christa McAuliffe School in Concord, N.H., Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2024. The federal government and the dental community are increasing efforts

An elementary school in New Hampshire has introduced a unique cavity prevention program in collaboration with NYU College of Dentistry. The program, known as CariedAway New Hampshire, aims to enhance pediatric oral health, particularly among children from lower-income families. As part of this initiative, a portable dental clinic was set up inside the school's teachers lounge, where students like 5-year-old Amber Warner received their first dental check-ups.

The certified public health dental hygienist administered traditional dental sealants to Amber, ensuring her teeth were well-protected against cavities. The entire process, including a quick flossing session, lasted only 15 minutes, leaving Amber feeling like a dental pro on her inaugural visit.

Across the United States, efforts to improve children's oral health are gaining momentum. Various school-based dental programs, such as those in Boston and New York City, have been successful in providing essential dental care to thousands of students. However, nearly half of all U.S. children still do not receive regular dental check-ups, leading to a high prevalence of cavities.

Portable dental clinic set up in school for children from lower-income families.

Unique cavity prevention program in NH with NYU College of Dentistry collaboration.

Certified hygienists administer dental sealants and promote good oral hygiene habits.

Efforts to improve children's oral health gaining momentum across the U.S.

Challenges in sustainability due to funding constraints for such programs.

Focus on preventive measures like fluoride varnish and dental sealants for children.

Experts emphasize the importance of early dental care to prevent extensive decay and the need for hospital treatments. Programs like CariedAway face challenges in sustainability due to funding constraints, but recent initiatives have shown promising results in reducing untreated tooth decay in preschool children by 50% since 2000.

As the landscape of pediatric oral health evolves, there is a growing focus on preventive measures such as fluoride varnish applications and dental sealants. By integrating dental care into primary healthcare settings and expanding community-based programs, the goal is to instill good oral hygiene habits in children and their families.

Through dedicated efforts like the CariedAway program, more students like 10-year-old Evette Sesay are receiving quality dental care in a comfortable and familiar environment. With positive experiences like Evette's, the hope is to create a generation of children who prioritize their oral health and understand the importance of regular dental check-ups.