The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #74181

Christine Forsch, RDH, Oral Health Program, Nevada State Health Division, 3427 Goni Road, Suite 108, Reno, NV 89706, 775-684-5953, sbeebe@siu.edu

Dental caries (tooth decay) is the most widespread disease of childhood and Early Childhood Caries is a specific form of dental caries found in very young children. Dental caries is a disease that affects certain populations disproportionately. Just 20% of all children suffer from 80% of all tooth decay. The prevalence of Early Childhood Caries is estimated to be as high as 90% in some Head Start populations. This program is designed to provide participants with an overview of one state's approach to the prevention of Early Childhood Caries with an emphasis on the utilization of fluoride varnish

Learning Objectives:

• Discuss the role, components, and policy changes that utilize fluoride varnishes in an Early Childhood Caries Prevention Program.
• Identify the goals, specific objectives, and components of an Early Childhood Caries Prevention Program.
• Identify specific goals, objectives, methods to market, evaluation techniques, and resources to assist in an Early Childhood Caries Prevention Program.

Keywords: Oral Health, Oral Health Needs

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.