Tooth decay in children is on the rise in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), tooth decay rose 4 percent in the two-to five-year-old age group in the last four years. These statistics are disturbing to dental professionals because of the ability to prevent approximately 85 percent of tooth decay.…

An overview is presented of guidelines drawn up for the development of health programs for junior and community colleges by the American College Health Association. The responsibilities of college health practitioners in the field of oral and dental health are emphasized. (JD)

A school-based dental health screening and referral program in the state of New York is described. The program provides examinations to children and referrals for those in need of treatment. By encouraging the dental health program, school officials serve as positive role models. Since screenings are conducted at a local level, community interest…

The Head Start Health Coordinator's Task Force (HCTF) was charged to study and make recommendations to strengthen Head Start's health component, which is a vital part of the child development program. Since its inception in 1965, Head Start has served over 12 million economically disadvantaged children. Through the health component, children have…

A dental assisting instructor was provided with 250 hours of released time to develop standardized Learning Activity Packets (LAPs) for the Dental Assisting program at the Bellingham (Washington) Vocational Technical Institute. The instructor reviewed unit objectives, gathered input from local dental professionals, reviewed reference materials,…