Early Childhood Tooth Decay Campaign Screens Preschoolers

In September and October, the dental staff launched an Early Childhood Tooth Decay Campaign. Registered Dental Hygienists and Certified Dental Assistants screened children in licensed daycare/nursery school programs throughout Leeds, Grenville and Lanark. For children not enrolled in these programs, drop-in clinics were offered throughout the tri-county area. Dental health education and consultation was offered in addition to dental screening. The goal of the campaign was to increase awareness and knowledge of early childhood tooth decay among the parents and caregivers of young children, and to help in the detection of tooth decay and referral for treatment.

In total, 250 children were screened through daycare/nursery schools. Sixty children were screened at drop-in clinics. Twelve children were found to have early childhood tooth decay. Financial assistance through the Children in Need of Treatment (CINOT) Program was made available to families without private dental insurance and/or if they did not have the financial means to afford dental treatment.

• Evaluation of the Early Childhood Tooth Decay Campaign showed that the campaign was successful in reaching many people in the community. Parents who attended the screening clinics were very satisfied with the services they had received.