Check In on Well-Child Checkups
Physical, mental, and oral health screenings support children in their learning. Child care health consultants (CCHCs) play a role in educating and connecting families and staff to services within the community.
Visiting the Dentist by Age 1
A dental visit by age 1 is key for building a lifetime of good oral health. Tooth decay can be prevented or managed with early dental visits and with good oral hygiene.
Brush Up on Oral Health
These Brush Up on Oral Health tip sheets provide information on current practices and practical strategies to promote good oral health for pregnant people, children, and their families – both in the classroom and at home.
Finding Oral Health Professionals That Accept Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
Medicaid and CHIP pay for oral health care for children enrolled in these programs. Learn tips Head Start staff can use to help parents find a dental office or clinic that accepts Medicaid and CHIP.
Understanding the Role of Dental Hygienist Liaisons
Every state has a dental hygienist liaison (DHL) to promote good oral health among Head Start participants. Learn about the role of DHLs and how they can help staff promote oral health and prevent oral disease.
Oral Health Promotion
Explore information and strategies Head Start staff can use to improve parents’ understanding of oral health’s impact on learning and to promote positive oral health practices in the classroom.
Oral Health Care
Explore information and strategies Head Start staff can use to help pregnant women and parents find oral health care, prepare for dental visits, and prepare for oral health issues during a natural disaster.
Talking with Children About Dental Visits
Going to the dental office or clinic is a new and unfamiliar experience for children. Learn tips for helping young children prepare for a dental visit.
Understanding Use of Silver Diamine Fluoride
Discover information that Head Start staff can share with parents about how Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) works.
Understanding Use of Anesthesia and Sedation for Oral Health Services
Share this information with parents to help them ask the dentist if anesthesia or sedation should be used to treat their child’s tooth decay and what type should be used to make treatment safe and effective.