In-school dental care can help improve pediatric oral health

The growth of dental programs in community health centers and schools has shown the importance of initiating pediatric dental care early in the post-pandemic years.

Nearly half of all U.S. children don’t receive regular dental care, according to a 2022 report from the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research.

The result?

More than half of children ages 6 to 8 experienced caries in at least one baby tooth and more than half of adolescents ages 12 to 19 have caries in at least one of the permanent teeth, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

However, untreated tooth decay in preschool children is down 50% since 2000, pointing to an increased use of sealants. 

Read more: AP

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