Oral Health Takes Priority with Head Start

Head Start programs provide comprehensive early intervention services for pregnant women, infants, and children (birth to age 5) and their families. Oral health is an integral component of education, prevention, and access to care services within Head Start. Head Start's program performance standards require that all children receive oral examinations and follow-up treatment, as needed, as well as the establishment of a dental home. However Head Start programs consistently report access to oral health as a number one challenge facing many of their programs. As a result of this need, innovative programs, with funding opportunities, have been developed across the country between Head Start, oral health professionals, academic dental institutions, state agencies and community health centers.

The goal of the symposia is to provide the vision of comprehensive health care, including oral health, for all Head Start participants. This session will provide participants with (1) an understanding of national oral health initiatives, including the Office of Head Start/MCHB intra-agency agreement; (2) awareness of community-based models and opportunities to become involved in oral health education, prevention, and access to care services for Head Start programs; and (3) knowledge of resources and promising practices available to health professionals to collaborate with Head Start programs to help improve oral health for pregnant women, infants, and children.