Integrating Oral Health & Maternal & Child Health Programs

Wednesday, September 22, 2004, 2:00-3:00 p.m. ET

Overview | Presenter Information | Agenda | Resources | Archive

Overview

According to the Surgeon General’s National Call to Action (2003), dental caries is the most common chronic condition among our nation’s children – five times more common than asthma. Oral health is an essential component of children’s overall well being and impacts their ability to eat, speak and learn. Untreated dental-related illnesses in children account for more than 51 million lost school hours and can result in a lifetime of chronic health problems and developmental delays.

Collaborations between maternal and child health and oral health programs can play a critical role in bolstering State and local capacity to promote children’s oral health, especially in times of fiscal constraint. This DataSpeak program will feature a presentation by a senior-level official of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) regarding this agency’s oral health goals and the important role of Title V/MCH agencies in these efforts. The program will also include a conversation with a former State MCH director and current Dental Health Administrator of a county public health department regarding examples of, and opportunities for, collaboration between MCH and oral health programs to address common goals.