DENTAL EDUCATION & SCREENINGS

Information from the Children's Dental Health Project in Washington DC reports:

Racial and ethnic minority groups are less likely than whites to have had a dental visit in the past year, regardless of age. 27% of Blacks and Hispanics had a visit compared to 36% Asian/Pacific Islanders, 41% Native Americans and 48% whites.

The US Department of Health and Human Services "Healthy People 2010" provides the following information:

Children with untreated dental decay are: African American 35%, Mexican American 43%, White 22%.

Dental caries remains a significant problem in some populations, particularly certain racial and ethnic groups and low-income children. National data indicate 80% of dental caries in the permanent teeth in children is concentrated in 25% of the children and adolescent population.

Destructive periodontal disease occurs in 33% of African Americans, 25% in Mexican Americans and 20% in whites.

The 5-year survival rate is lower for oral and pharyngeal cancers among African Americans than whites (34% versus 56%.)

The American Dental Association states: "early childhood caries (ECC) is a significant public health problem in selected populations and is also found throughout the general population. The Association urges health professionals and the public to recognize that a child's teeth are susceptible to decay as soon as they begin to erupt. Early childhood caries is an infectious disease. There are many aspects of early childhood caries; baby bottle tooth decay is recognized as one of the more severe manifestations of this syndrome." The ADA recommends, "receiving oral health education based on the child's developmental needs."

How OCHC participates in Oral Health Education, Screenings and Outreach Screenings: Free screenings are held at these locations: Churches, daycare centers, Head Start, health fairs, home visits, Hubbs Learning Center, Liberty Plaza housing complex.

OCHC has a pediatrics mobile dental unit that is brought to all sites, except for home visits. The dental hygienist performs the screening. The community health worker (CHW) provides extensive dental education. All patients receive a free packet of materials including toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, and materials aimed at the patient (i.e. materials that are specific to prenatal patients and children.) Patients also receive assistance in making follow-up appointments. A CHW trained to provide fluoride treatments, sealants, and education makes home visits.

Pediatric Referrals: Children were referred to a pediatric dental resident at OCHC's main site. (OCHC has a contract with the University of Minnesota Dental Department to have a pediatric dental resident at OCHC's main site once a week.)

Prenatal patients: Prenatal patients received an oral health screening during their pregnancy and were referred for a dental checkup and a CHW for education.

Community Outreach: Community outreach includes going to the sites mentioned above. Additionally, OCHC participates in health fairs and hosts health fairs as part of the clinic's Community Health Connection, OCHC's outreach and education initiative to reduce health disparities. The team of CHWs uses the health fairs and other community events to make people aware of the oral health free screenings and also the need for regular checkups and follow-up care. A CHW also performed follow-up services including calls, reminders for referrals, and 6-month updates to come for the screening.

To set up a screening session or for more information call Char (651) 290-9214.