HEAD START DENTAL HOME INITIATIVE

GOAL OF THE PROJECT

 Under the direction of the Office of Head Start (OHS), the Head Start Resource Center (HSRC) offered funds to support state Dental Home Initiatives (DHI)  The goal of this initiative is to ensure Head Start (HS)/Early Head Start (EHS) children have access to and receive comprehensive services in a “dental home.”

INITIAL COLLABORATIVE PARTNERS

 Head Start State Collaboration Office  The Florida Dental Hygiene Association  The University Of Florida College Of Dentistry  The Florida Head Start Association  The Florida Public Health Institute.

HS DHI OBJECTIVES

 Three Objectives 1.

2.

3.

Increase the number of Head Start/Early Head Start (EHS) children with an established dental home Increase the number of pediatric dentists, general dentists and authorized medical providers who serve infants, toddlers, and children through age 5 Enhance staff knowledge of sound oral health and nutrition practices

OBJECTIVE #2

 Provide training through partnership with the University of Florida, for the Prevention and Limited Treatment of Early Childhood Caries for general dentists and staff in Orange County.

 Provide on site training through partnership collaboration with Gator Kids Healthy Smiles Program from the University of Florida to medical personnel that provide HS/EHS medical examinations .

COURSE DESCRIPTION

 The premise of this 3 hour course is that the multifactorial nature of ECC requires an early and comprehensive approach. This course will prepare the general dentist and office/clinical staff to provide appropriate diagnostic, preventive and limited restorative procedures to very young children. Since behavior plays such a major role in oral health, and since children are so dependent on the actions of their parents, the course includes a thorough discussion of behavioral, motivational and compliance techniques.

ECC COURSE

      May 11, 2012 28 dental professionals registered AHCA presented to the dentists regarding Medicaid enrollment and related procedures DentaQuest- funded breakfast for course and provided educational packets for all children at the Lila Mitchell Center Coordinator has developed commitment agreements for dental providers Follow up with all participants to track increased care

GATOR KIDS HEALTHY SMILES

 13 Dental hygienists across the state trained to provide in-office education to physicians and staff about ECC prevention including examination, risk assessment, fluoride varnish application, anticipatory guidance (tooth brushing, etc) and referral to a dental home  Program coordinator contacted local MDs who were active in providing medical care to Head Start enrolled children and GKHS provided training if requested

PILOT PROGRAM OUTCOMES

 Dental exams were increased  Of the 44 children identified needing care 41.9 % have started treatment  A community dental resource guide was developed  3 new dental providers were identified

PILOT PROGRAM OUTCOMES

 Partnership with a dentist at the local FQHC increased exams of children that did not have a dental home or transportation issues and he will continue to offer exams and services  300 HS/EHS staff have an increased understanding of sound oral health and nutrition  BSS screening were provided and data collected

PILOT PROGRAM OUTCOMES

 28 dental providers surrounding the Lila Mitchell Center received training on the prevention and limited treatment of Early Childhood Caries  81 children received preventive fluoride varnish and oral hygiene education, donated by Premier Dental Products  All children received toothbrush, toothpaste, tooth brushing timer and oral hygiene educational material donated by DentaQuest

PILOT PROGRAM OUTCOMES

    The pilot center, OCHSC and the parents/caregivers have a stronger focus on early prevention.

The coordinator provided the ability to develop solutions to increase oral health exams and services This program’s application and program outcomes have been highlighted as a national model Orange County HS program proposed hiring a dental hygienist as the county coordinator but funding did not permit. At this time they are working on re-classifying a position to hire an oral health care administrator

FUTURE OUTCOMES

Expanding the pilot throughout the state