Policy

Dental disease is the most common chronic illness for children in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) more than one-quarter of children have tooth decay in baby teeth before entering kindergarten. About 21 percent of children aged 5 to 11 have at least one untreated decayed tooth. Dental disease is preventable, yet dental care is the most common unmet health treatment need in children.

State policymakers seek creative ways to improve access to oral health care services in their states. Local governments and stakeholders also play important roles in improving children’s oral health. (Source: National Conference of State Legislatures)

Useful information:

WHO Declares Oral Health a Global Priority

The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially declared oral health a global priority. Health ministries supported a new resolution that urged oral health be included in the noncommunicable disease agenda. The resolution recommended a shift from the traditional curative approach towards a preventive approach that includes promotion of oral health within the family, schools and workplaces, and also a comprehensive and inclusive approach to the delivery of oral health care within the primary health care system. WHO also recommended that oral health care be included in universal health coverage programs. WHO will draft a global strategy on tackling oral diseases for consideration in 2022 and recommend an action plan by 2023. Click here to read the resolution.

APHA Statement on Oral Health Care for Pregnant Women

The American Public Health Association (APHA) released a new policy statement regarding the importance of improving oral health care access for pregnant women. Oral health is integral to overall health and a healthy pregnancy, yet less than half of pregnant women in the United States report receiving routine dental care during pregnancy. Oral diseases during pregnancy can negatively impact birth outcomes and women’s quality of life. The policy statement describes this major public health problem, along with opposing arguments, evidence-based strategies and action steps, at federal, state, and local levels. Click here for more information.

Children’s Health Dental Project

Many issues affect children’s oral health. Search for Fact Sheets, Tools and more: Resources on CHIP, Medicaid, tooth decay, school-based sealant programs and more.

Latest News