If possible, parents should schedule a child's first dental visit as soon as possible and no later than age 1. By visiting the dentist early, parents are able to establish a "dental home" for your child. This will encourage him or her to become more comfortable in a dental setting and allows the dentist to learn more about your child's needs earlier.
Oftentimes, dentists are able to identify symptoms that might point to more serious health issues simply by examining your child's mouth, head, and neck. After the visit, parents should continue talking and teaching children about dental health and proper oral care.
More importantly, parents need to ensure that their children establish regular oral hygiene.
Support for public-private partnerships allows us to create innovative dental insurance solutions for Arkansans at every level of economic status. Organizations such as Delta Dental of Arkansas offer access to funding for the public that can be used to help improve the oral health of Arkansans and provide citizens with accessible, affordable dental care.
The Delta Dental of Arkansas Foundation funds in-hospital dental clinics at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, CARTI, and Arkansas Children's Hospital. Additionally, they help fund three mobile dental units alongside Arkansas Children's Hospital that bring dental services to underserved children at elementary schools across Arkansas and many community dental clinics.
The mobile units also offer dental sealants through the Arkansas Department of Health's Office of Oral Health "Seal the State" program, which allows dental hygienists to travel the state and provide sealants to children in areas with the most need.
Collaborations between businesses and statewide organizations can help alleviate some of the cost burden for low-income families who are unable to afford dental care, and improve access to dental services in areas that have no dental providers.
By prioritizing children's oral health and working to remove oral health disparities, we are investing in the economic development of Arkansas.
The earlier a child is able to receive quality dental care, the less likely that child will develop long-term oral health illnesses that could eventually present an undue economic burden for families. It is also unlikely that they will carry those illnesses into adulthood that could lead to other serious medical conditions later in life.
Let's work together to ensure that healthier children equal a healthier future for Arkansas.
For more information about National Children's Dental Health Month, visit The American Dental Association website at www.ada.org.
------------v------------
Tamika S. Edwards serves on the Delta Dental of Arkansas Foundation's Board of Directors.
Editorial on 02/13/2016