Preventing Oral Disease: Alternative Providers and Places to Address This Commonplace Condition

Oral health disease in young children has not decreased, despite adequate modalities for treatment and prevention. Because many children may not see a dentist before oral disease has begun, disease progression can be expected, affecting short-term and long-term oral health. However, most children are seen by other health professionals frequently in their youngest years, providing a unique opportunity to help weave a safety net of oral health care until they are established in a dental home. This article details ways primary care providers can promote oral health, including ways to integrate ancillary dental professionals into the primary care home.