Pediatric Oral Health Policy: Its Genesis, Domains, and Impacts

Over recent years, pediatric oral health has become well established in the United States as an essential component of pediatric health policy as evidenced by the programs authorized and funded by Congress. These actions have improved access and utilization of dental care, engaged primary care pediatrics in oral health, and improved children's oral health outcomes. Nonetheless, there remains a host of authorized but unfunded approaches to addressing children's oral health through coverage, workforce, safety net, prevention, and surveillance. Child health advocates and practitioners need to actively engage as advocates if further improvements are to be attained through policymaking.