Dental disease is the most common chronic childhood disease; more frequent than hayfever and the common cold. In local schools with low-income populations, approximately 30% of children have untreated caries (cavities).

A diverse group of dental advocates-private practice dentists, dental clinic providers, non-profit organizations, schools and local foundations-convened in February of 2000 to address the oral health needs of Humboldt County’s children, youth and pregnant women. In July, 2001, this “Dental Advisory Group (DAG)” conducted a needs assessment and developed the strategic plan found in “Humboldt County Children’s Oral Health Report.”

Members of the DAG, through the Circle of Smiles Partnership, focus on the following areas:

• education
• Access and treatment
• Partnerships for prevention

Accomplishments
Highlights of DAG accomplishments include:

• TOOTH (Teaching Oral Optimism Throughout Humboldt) program providing oral health education to children
• The hospital based dentistry program
• Mobile dental services treating children at local school sites and outlying areas
• Sealants and Smiles program providing no-cost sealants to low-income children
• Water fluoridation campaign
• Holiday Funding Partnership-including oral health supplies in community food baskets
• The Well Child Dental Visit/Fluoride Varnish Clinic partnership with Maternal Child and Adolescent Health (MCAH), Public Health Nursing, and WIC
• Oral health educational magnet placed in breastfeeding support bags offered to all new parents at time of delivery
• A brochure for children and their families, “What to Expect at the Dentist”
• Oral health practices/needs survey of local dentists, obstetricians and pediatricians

The MCAH Oral Health Coordinator works to improve oral health for children, youth and pregnant women by:

• Identifying disparities and gaps in oral health service and working with DAG to address the needs of the community.
• Raising provider and community awareness about oral health issues.
• Working with local, state and national foundations to ensure funding for local oral health initiatives.
• Overseeing the Well Child Dental Visit/Fluoride Varnish clinics.
• Maintaining the listing of dental providers that accept MediCal and Healthy Families Dental Insurance.
• Facilitating the DAG.