Media Release

For: Immediate Release
Date: October 4, 2002
Contact: Robin Lawrence, DDS, MPH, 401-222-7620

Department of Health Receives Oral Health Grant; Program Aims to Prevent Early Childhood Caries in Head Start Children

Providence, Rhode Island, October 4, 2002 – The RI Department of Health (HEALTH) received $50,000 per year for four years to prevent tooth decay in Head Start/Early Head Start children. The grant supports a public/private/not-for-profit coalition targeting improved access to oral health services for underserved children. The grant aims to reduce the prevalence of early childhood caries (ECC)--also known as "baby bottle tooth decay" or "nursing bottle caries"--by 40% over the next four years. The funds come from the federal Maternal and Child Health Bureau.

Through this grant, HEALTH will promote "common sense" oral health practices for very young children and will teach parents, childcare providers, Head Start program staff and others about preventing early childhood tooth decay.

"Good oral health is a key part of total health for young children," said Patricia A. Nolan, MD, MPH, Director of the RI Department of Health. "Preventing dental disease in pre-school children helps to ensure healthy lives and reduces health disparities."

According to recent estimates, early childhood caries affects 1,000-2,500 RI children between the ages of 6 and 48 months old. Children most at-risk for ECC are likely to be of minority race/ethnicity and/or from families with low-income. These children typically experience more oral disease and less access to care. Only 11 pediatric dentists currently practice in the state.

Robin M. Lawrence, DDS, MPH, Chief, Office of Dental Public Health notes that improving the status of oral health in RI pre-school children requires a comprehensive oral health promotion/disease prevention plan combined with promoting good oral health practices. These "common sense" practices include drinking fluoridated water, daily brushing with fluoridated toothpaste, and annual visits to a dentist.

For further information check out www.health.ri.gov/disease/primarycare/oralhealth/home.htm or call the Oral Health Program at 222-7620.