Children’s Dental Health
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Issues /Needs: Service & Information Gaps

There is near-unanimity on the gaps to be filled and issues to be addressed, including:

• There are too few dentists willing and able to sedate children
• Not enough providers accept Denti-Cal
• Prevention messages to children and parents are insufficient
• Regular oral exams and preventive measures need to begin earlier
• Spanish- and Vietnamese-speaking providers are in short supply
• Disabled and special needs children face unmet dental care needs
• Strengthened coordination is needed
• Accessibility to dentists should be improved