Dental Health Resources

Dental health resources are available on the Internet for both professionals and the general public. These resources can range from free publications to information from nonprofit organizations. The CDC, for example, offers many resources that address oral health and its relationship with overall health. Other resources include the Center for Law and Social Policy, which focuses on issues affecting low-income communities. The Connecticut Open Wide Curriculum also offers lessons on oral health. Finally, Covering Kids & Families provides free materials for enrollment in Medicaid and SCHIP programs for children.

Those interested in dental health can also consult with the National Dental Association, which represents the interests of dentists in public policy. Similarly, the National Maternal and Child Oral Health Resource Center is a resource for quality information about dental care for children. In addition, the Georgia Rural Health Association develops educational resources and services for rural Georgians. Finally, the Association of Maternal and Child Health Programs represents state public health leaders and others who work to improve the health of women and children.

A great dental health resource for educators and parents is TeachersFirst. The company provides many free resources aimed at improving oral health, including a comprehensive guide for teaching children how to brush their Regain Teeth. The materials are meant for use with children in prenatal care as well as in early childhood education. Parents and other organizations can also use these materials to educate their children about good oral health.

Other resources for parents and children include an online home curriculum, "Caring For Your Smile." Parents and caregivers can access resources such as activity sheets, coloring pages, and downloadable storybooks. Children can also view educational videos featuring the Tooth Fairy. These materials can also be used by pediatricians and family practitioners to teach oral health and promote healthy sleep habits.

Communities with little access to dental care can benefit from Community Dental Health Coordinators (CDHs). Language and cultural barriers can make it difficult for people to receive proper care. In addition, a lack of transportation or child care may prevent people from visiting a dentist. The efforts of community dental health coordinators are vital to improving oral health in underserved communities.

In rural areas, the availability of dental care professionals may be limited due to high costs and the lack of public transportation. Additionally, there is often little access to dental insurance. Rural areas also have a higher percentage of older people, who are less likely to have dental coverage. Also, Medicare does not cover dental services, making dental access even more difficult for these communities.

Increasing access to oral care services has become an essential part of a comprehensive health care strategy. Rural dental programs can provide preventive care and x-rays. One such program is SMILES Dental Project. Through this project, dental hygienists can provide basic preventive care to children in rural areas. This project also promotes the inclusion of dental care in primary care settings.