Preventive dentistry in Illinois

Success in preventive dentistry requires much more than community water fluoridation, dental sealants, fluoride supplements and dental health education. The scope of preventive dentistry should include oral cancer prevention, orofacial injury control, craniofacial anomalies, malocclusion, and the early detection of systemic disease with oral manifestations. The Division of Dental Health has developed preventive programs to address a majority of these health problems. The State of Illinois can be considered in the forefront of preventive dentistry. It has more than 85% of its population served by optimally fluoridated drinking water, 75,000 children participating in fluoride mouthrinse programs, established dental sealant programs and mouthguard programs, and the availability of innovative programs that address a wide variety of oral health concerns. These programs and others being conducted by the Illinois State Dental Society and in private dental offices are providing a significant improvement in the oral health status for all residents of Illinois.