As part of a series of reports designed to support the implementation of Proposition 10: The California Children and Families Act and to provide comprehensive and authoritative information on critical issues concerning young children and families in California, this report describes the scope and severity of early childhood caries (ECC), a distinctive pattern of severe tooth decay in infants and young children. The report also describes the level of access to preventive and therapeutic services for Californias preschool children and discusses the relationship between dental health, early childhood development, and Proposition 10. The report describes the array of programs available for early childhood caries, including the Childrens Medical Services, California Children and Dental Disease Prevention Program, Head Start, and the Maternal and Child Health Program. The report argues that oral health should be viewed as a primary care service and that the full integration of oral health into primary care services for children would require a major shift in how such services are presently conceived, provided, and funded. Examples of integrated oral health services are provided. Current and potential sources of funds for dental treatment are described. The report then details recommendations for 5-year objectives for Proposition 10 Commissions related to dental care and oral disease prevention and for utilizing a comprehensive approach in helping communities gain meaningful control of ECC. Research studies on the etiology, prevention, and effects of ECC as well as the cost of treatment are delineated. Two appendices include a list of dental health experts in California counties. (Contains 42 references.) (KB)