You can empower your patients to prevent cavities.

The most meaningful and effective behavior change in new and expecting parents comes from direct patient interaction with trusted healthcare providers like you. It is critically important that you start the discussion with your patients about cavity prevention early, including regular dental visits by a child’s first birthday.

Cavities can be extremely painful and treatment very costly for parents. If left untreated, tooth decay can cause school absences and negatively impact a child’s development and self-esteem. Cavities are not inevitable — you can empower your patients to prevent dental disease!

The following resources will help you improve your patients’ oral and overall health:

• Order Materials – First Smile Delaware patient education materials are available free-of-charge.
• Dentist Referral – The Delaware Dental Society Member Locator system provides a comprehensive and searchable list of dentists by city, zip code or specialty.
• Comprehensive dental care is a benefit for children and adolescents who qualify for the Delaware Medicaid and Child Health Insurance Programs (CHIP). Use these dental clinic directories to find a participating dentist for your patients.
  • Delaware Division of Public Health Dental Clinics for Medicaid Eligible Children
  • Delaware Medicaid and Healthy Children (CHIP) Participating Dentists for Children
• Policy statements from the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry on:
  • Early Childhood Caries – Preventive practices decrease a child’s risks for dental disease
  • Children’s Dental Home – Help every child establish a dental home by age one

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