Oral Health Prevention Primer
We all play a vital role in oral health disease prevention.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Oral Health Prevention Primer is designed to help pediatricians and other health professionals address oral health in practice, understand the roles of oral health allies, and learn how to collaborate and advocate to achieve optimal oral health for their community to prevent dental disease before it starts.
How do I…
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Assess risk, apply fluoride, and refer?
Pediatric offices are encouraged to offer oral health risk assessment, anticipatory guidance, fluoride varnish, and referral to a dental home. Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic and Treatment (EPSDT) and/or Medicaid cover some services in all states. Through the Affordable Care Act, private insurers should cover fluoride varnish in the primary care setting with no cost-sharing, but specific plan rules may vary.
AAP Resource
Implementation Tools
The following are examples of state-based programs that serve as models for implementing programs and provide training guides or other tested tools. Explore health departments, medical-dental training programs, and payers in your state for additional models.
AAP Resource
AAP Referral and Bi-Directional Communication Tools
AAP practice tools will help facilitate inter-professional referral and bi-directional communication between pediatricians, dentists, and their professional colleagues (nurses, hygienists, assistants).
How to create a Dental Referral Resource Sheet for your practice
Questions to Ask When Calling a Dental Provider
Pediatric Medical-to-Dental Care Referral Form on Protect Tiny Teeth
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Interprofessional Oral Health Referral – Medical-Oral Expanded Care (MORE Care)
Dental Referral Form for Medical Providers – From the First Tooth
Script for Warm Hand-off to Dentist – Healthy Teeth, Healthy Children
Structuring Referrals to Dentistry – Safety Net Medical Home Initiative
Key Elements to Incorporate Oral Health in the Pediatric Electronic Health Record
