Provider Collaboration to Improve Pediatric Oral Health Care

There have been studies in the last 20 years that have shown a connection between oral health care and chronic diseases.  Tooth decay in the pediatric setting can be seen as a window into the overall health of the child and future health implications.  Prevention of tooth decay in such a vulnerable population includes public health teaching and reinforcement to parents and caregivers to decrease oral health risk factors.  Bacteria in the mouth can increase with poor oral care and can lead to tooth decay and infections.  These infections and the inflammation processes involved has been shown to affect cardiac disease, diabetes, adverse pregnancy outcomes, HIV/AIDS, osteoporosis, Alzheimer and immune system disorders (Mayo Clinic, 2013).  Primary care settings are the perfect setting to incorporate oral health education and prevention as these providers have an opportunity to promote dental health at each well child visit as well as monitor for caries. Open communication with the child’s dental provider is important as well.  All of these steps allow for an inter-professional collaboration to improve oral health, and overall health,  in the pediatric population.  The collaboration needed for health promotion and disease prevention cannot be underemphasized.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2013) discusses the National Call to Action to Promote Oral Health action goals that would “ (1) change perceptions about oral health; (2) overcome barriers by replicating effective programs and proven efforts; (3) build the science base and accelerate science transfer; (4) increase oral health workforce, diversity, capacity and flexibility; and (5) increase collaborations” (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, [CDC], 2013, para. 5).  Research must continue to study the links between oral health care and general health care.  In the meantime, the focus should be on early detection and prevention of dental decay which can include parent teaching at each provider visit.