Katya Mauritson, DMD Oral Health Unit Director Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment

Percent of Colorado parents reporting that their child (age 1 through 5) first went to the dentist by 12 months of age, Source: Colorado Child Health Survey, Health Statistics Section, CDPHE Percent Goal: 4.6% by 2016

Percent of 3rd grade children in Colorado with sealants, Oral Health Basic Screening Survey Percent Source: Oral Health Program, Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment Sealants = Percentage of 3 rd Grade Students with dental sealants on at least one permanent molar tooth Goal: 39% by 2016

Toolkit for Promoting Maternal and Child Oral Health in Colorado Communities oralhealthcolorado.org/ new-toolkit-for-promoting-oral- health-in-colorado-communities

School Basic Screening Survey

Measures the oral health status: Current, untreated decay History of decay ECC for kindergartners Sealants on permanent molars on 3 rd graders Urgency of dental needs Referral links

High Five Break!!!

Results of dental screening among children in kindergarten. Colorado Children’s Oral Health Screening, 2003–2004, 2006–2007, and 2011– 2012 Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment

Results of dental screening among children in 3 rd grade. Colorado Children’s Oral Health Screening, 2003–2004, 2006–2007, and 2011– 2012 Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment

Results of dental screening among children in kindergarten by percent of students in the school who are eligible for free or reduced price meal program (FRL). Colorado Children’s Oral Health Screening, 2003–2004, 2006–2007, and 2011–2012 Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment

Results of dental screening among children in third grade by percent of students in the school who are eligible for free or reduced price meal program (FRL). Colorado Children’s Oral Health Screening, 2003–2004, 2006–2007, and 2011–2012 Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment

SEALANTS – proven method for preventing decay Third Graders: already beat WB target of 39% (45%)

Resources Oral Health Colorado Mobile and Portable Dental Services in Preschool and School Settings: Complex Issues School-Based or School-Linked Mobile or Portable Dental Services Policy Statement Memorandum of Understanding

Colorado and Fluoride

Unfounded fear about Fluorosis:

Mass Medication? The American Public Health Association notes: “It has been the position of the American courts that a significant government interest in the health and welfare of the public generally overrides individual objections to public health regulation.” U.S. Courts have consistently ruled that water fluoridation is not a form of compulsory mass medication or socialized medicine The courts have ruled that: Fluoride is a nutrient, not a medication No one is forced to drink fluoridated water

Resources State Oral Health Unit Health Department CDC’s My Water’s Fluoride Pew’s ILikeMyTeeth.org One of the “great public health achievements of the 20th century.”