For more information about First Tooth training opportunities, please contact the Oregon Oral Health Coalition (OrOHC) at arien.bates@ocdc.net or 971-224-1038.
Curriculum
The First Tooth training for medical and dental providers is designed to help implement early childhood caries preventive services for infants and toddlers into their current practice. Development of the curriculum was done with input from the Oregon Academy of Pediatrics and follows the evidence-based practice for early childhood caries prevention (ECCP) that includes a risk assessment, anticipatory guidance, an intervention as appropriate, and referral to a dental home. Research studies show that the application of fluoride varnish can reduce tooth decay between 30% - 69% in primary teeth of high-risk children.
Training topics include the prevalence and impact of oral disease, risk assessment, culturally appropriate anticipatory guidance, fluoride varnish application, implementation, workflow tips, and access to dental care. Examples of culturally appropriate handouts, exam/waiting room posters, and anticipatory guidance are provided that can be shared with parents and caregivers. Many of the resources can be found on the Oregon Oral Health Coalition's First Tooth website.