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

• 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

Prevention Messages to Children and Parents Are Insufficient

County government, nonprofit organizations, schools, early childhood programs, public media, foundations, and health providers of all types can communicate prevention messages to children and their parents, including the importance of early care and the links between oral health and other physical health.