Renewed push to improve pediatric oral health
There is a growing effort to improve pediatric oral health, especially in children from lower-income families. Many school districts across the U.S. have dental programs, but there is still a lack of regular dental care for nearly half of all children. This can lead to cavities, which are preventable. Mobile and school-based clinics are working to provide dental care to children, but sustainability is a challenge due to funding. However, there has been improvement in pediatric oral health, with a 50% decrease in untreated tooth decay in preschool children since 2000. Efforts include the use of sealants and the deployment of dental hygienists in pediatric offices. Some states are also coordinating pediatric and dental care. Overall, the goal is to educate children and their families about the importance of dental care and prevent serious dental issues.Read more here
